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The Minnesota Vikings selected Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange in the third round with the 82nd pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday night.
The 6-foot-2, 322-pound defensive tackle is known as “Big Citrus,” and the juice is worth the squeeze. Orange is a thick DT with long arms and a quick first step, which makes him hard to block. He was named to the All-Big 12 third team in 2025. Over his four-year career with the Cyclones, he finished with 66 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack and two pass deflections.
The production dipped from 4 1/2 tackles for loss in 2024 to just half of one in 2025, but the ability didn’t disappear. Late in 2024, he flashed it — 3 1/2 of those TFLs came over the final five games, showing what he’s capable of when things click.
Across the last two seasons, he totaled 33 defensive stops, per PFF, and backed it up with solid testing at the combine, particularly in the 10-yard split, vertical and 40-yard dash time. He projects best as an early-down, run-stuffing defensive tackle — someone who can anchor inside, eat space and clog the middle.
‘The Beast’ breakdown
Orange ranked No. 64 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“A two-time ‘Freaks List’ alum, Orange translates his weight-room strength (450-pound bench, 650-pound squat) to the field, where his impact is felt on tape more with disruption than production. Using his long extension, he creates powerful knockback, controls the point and eventually discards blockers, although his shed timing must improve. Despite having a limited range of impact, he played lighter in 2025, and his conditioning is a critical factor in his on-field success.
“Orange is an ineffective pass rusher but has the frame and play strength to be an immovable, stout nose when he wants to be. He projects best as a one-technique or shade in a 4-3 scheme.”
Nick Baumgardner grades the pick
I love the value here, though this does make me further question why Minnesota took Caleb Banks so high. “Big Citrus” is an outstanding nose tackle who can kick out and play some three-technique as a stout run defender who could surprise with his pass-rush upside.
Grade: A-
How he fits
Minnesota’s biggest need entering the 2026 draft? Defensive tackle. The team released veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave before free agency. Their departures left a thin room. Other than Jalen Redmond, the Vikings didn’t have many interior defenders with major experience.
Orange will help fill the void. He joins first-round pick Caleb Banks as another massive presence on the interior. Minnesota likes to utilize five-man fronts, and in these types of instances, Orange could occupy the nose tackle spot.
Depth-chart impact
Orange will likely vie for playing time alongside 2024 seventh-rounder Levi Drake Rodriguez.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores doesn’t tend to favor draft picks, but Orange’s pedigree suggests a high likelihood of him contributing immediately.
He’s experienced, too, having played 50 games at Iowa State.
He’s not as likely as Banks to produce sack numbers from the interior, but he should be good against the run, and his arm length and hand strength should affect the pocket.
They also could have picked …
The Vikings have gone all defense with their first three picks. They’ve mulled wide receiver and center, but some of the players they liked were plucked before they were on the clock.
Here, Minnesota could’ve taken a stab at Georgia State receiver Ted Hurst or targeted a center to compete with Blake Brandel. Instead, the team opted to stick with the spine of its defense. The Vikings might not be done on that side, either. They’ve done due diligence on multiple middle- and late-round safeties.
Fast evaluation
Successful NFL teams are fortified in the trenches. That’s what the Vikings have done throughout the draft thus far. They’ve taken tone-setters with traits and upside. Adding Orange and Banks solidifies the depth of the defensive line. It also gives the Vikings some financial flexibility for 2026 and beyond.
