EAGAN, Minn. — Welcome to Minnesota, Big Citrus.
The Vikings continued adding to their defense Day 2 of the NFL Draft by nabbing former Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange with the 82nd overall pick — continuing to strengthen the position after picking Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks 18th overall Thursday.
As a starter for the Cyclones last season, Orange recorded 18 tackles, one-half tackle for loss and a pass defensed. He has 50 collegiate games (24 starts) under his belt and totaled 66 tackles, 1.0 sack, seven tackles for loss and two passes defensed.
View photos of Iowa State DL Domonique Orange who was selected No. 82 overall in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
DL Domonique Orange
DL Domonique Orange
DL Domonique Orange
DL Domonique Orange
DL Domonique Orange
DL Domonique Orange
DL Domonique Orange
DL Domonique Orange
The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked Orange as this year's No. 6 defensive lineman. He said Orange has room to grow in the pass rush game but is "powerful and immovable" on the line's interior.
"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," Brugler wrote. "Using his long extension, he creates powerful knockback, controls the point and eventually discards blockers, although his shed timing must improve."
Orange demonstrated commitment to conditioning over his collegiate career.
By his freshman season at North High School (North Kansas City, Missouri), Orange had weighed 300 pounds. He surpassed 400 pounds as a senior, earning the nickname "Big Citrus." Orange saw college teams withdraw from recruiting him due to his weight, however, and he dedicated himself to improving nutrition and training, dropping to 325 pounds by his junior season at Iowa State.
His official NFL Draft bio lists him at 6-foot-2 3/8 and 322 pounds.
Orange joins a Minnesota defensive line group that has changed significantly over the past couple of seasons. The Vikings last spring signed veteran free agents Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen but have parted ways with both players; Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez garnered attention last season and are returning to help lead the room that also includes returnees Elijah Williams, Taki Taimani and 2025 draft selection Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
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