TThe Minnesota Vikings completely revamped their defensive tackle room through the 2026 NFL Draft. They drafted University of Florida’s Caleb Banks with the 18th pick and circled back two rounds later to select Iowa State’s Domonique Orange with the 82nd overall pick.
Both players have shown flashes over the first two preseason games. However, you could make a strong case that Orange has actually outplayed the first-round selection thus far. In fact, you could make a case that the comparison hasn’t been close. He’s been especially stout against the run (a major strength of his game at the collegiate level), and seems to be having an easier time transitioning to the pros.
Meanwhile, Banks is struggling mightily in the pad level department. The low man often wins in the trenches. With Banks standing 6’6″, he has to work extra hard to combat his height “advantage”. The same issue has plagued many with his profile before him, and it was also evident on his college tape.
Purple Daily’s Judd Zulgad also sounded the alarm at Banks’ conditioning today. He posted on X, saying, “Big Citrus really impressing me but Caleb Banks needs a ton of work and now looks exhausted. Banks was used to overpowering o-linemen in college but now is easily being handled and his pad level is way too high.”
To Banks’ credit, he had an impressive rep where he quickly got off the snap and wrapped up Ravens running back Jonathan Ward after a two-yard run. However, it’s worth noting that the rep came against Ravens rookie TE Matt Hibner, who tips the scales at 251 lbs. (roughly 75 pounds lighter than Banks). In short, he did what he was supposed to on the play.
Caleb Banks Failed To Build On A Solid Week Of Practice
Unfortunately, today’s disappointing performance came after a really solid week of practice against the Ravens’ starting offense. Earlier this week, Zulgad spoke about Banks’ blowing up a running play and wrangling Derrick Henry for a TFL on the Purple Daily podcast.
“We definitely saw the right leverage with the pads today, blew up a play (against Ravens RB Derrick Henry),” Zulgad said. “My first takeaway defensively is Caleb Banks making a splash.”
The coaching staff and fanbase alike hoped to see some of that momentum carry over into today’s game. Unfortunately, aside from the play where he blew up a tight end, both sides were left wanting.
With that said, the sky isn’t falling. The 23-year-old shouldn’t be close to reaching his sky-high potential after two preseason games. Still, it’s also worth noting that he hasn’t shown as much promise as Orange so far.
Banks is an immensely talented player, and he’s shown flashes over the first two preseason contests. However, virtually all expectations should be tempered. The 23-year-old will experience his fair share of growing pains this season. He’s got a long runway, but an even longer way to go before he comes close to reaching that status.
Domonique Orange Should Make An Early Impact
On the bright side, Orange has been a bit better than advertised through the first two preseason contests. He’s not only already made a few solid plays in the run defense department, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores also (somewhat hilariously) experimented with dropping the 320 lb. defensive tackle into coverage today… and it worked.
Just before the two-minute warning in the second quarter, Orange nearly got the first pass deflection of his career. Still, his presence (and potentially the fear of a 320 lb. DT in pursuit) caused the intended target to drop the ball and set up a third-and-long.
The Vikings gave up 124 yards on the ground (20th in the league) last season. If Orange can make an early impact, it would go a long way toward shoring up that area heading into 2026.
It’s Clear Which Vikings Rookie DT Had A Better Performance Against The Ravens