Commanders Eyeing Konga for Payne's Replacement

0:00On March 28th, Washington commanders might start planning for life without defensive tackle Doran Payne by targeting the 2026 NFL draft. Payne heads into his final contract year then, and the team passed on extending him this off-season. They hold the number 7 overall pick and could trade down or grab a tackle later to build depth. Earlier this week, reports surface that the commanders met with Louisville defensive tackle where Nekonga and their defensive line coaches. This comes as they signed extensions for other spots like left tackle and guard, but skipped Payne while keeping options open up front. Konga stands 6 foot 3, weighs 299 pounds, and transferred from Rutgers to Louisville. Over two years with the Cardinals, he played 23 games, earned second team all ACC honors and tallied 63 career tackles with 11. For loss and 5 sex, fans and scouts call him a rare athlete with a lead speed in power for his size. His pro-day numbers blew minds, a 7.033 cone drill, and nearly 300 pounds, topping even

1:05legends like Fletcher Cox. He boasts a top relative athletic score, which general manager Adam Peters loves, matching recent free agent signings. The Cowboys also want a top 30 visit with him. Meanwhile, Washington returns Payne, Javan Kinlaw, Tim Settle, Jurjan Newton, and Ricky Barbara next season, looking deep on paper. But with Payne's future unclear and a new defensive scheme rolling in, a guy like Konga could slide right into the mix and keep them dominant up front.