The Minnesota Vikings have selected Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Domonique Orange, whose nickname is “Big Citrus,” with the 82nd overall pick of the 2026 draft.
This offseason has seen the Vikings undo all of the work they did last season along their defensive line.
Orange brings more than an attention-grabbing nickname to the table, though.
Vikings Bolster D-Line With Domonique Orange
GettyDomonique Orange #95 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates after winning the 2025 Aer Lingus Classic.
“More of a nose tackle type than Caleb Banks, but similarly massive frame with long arms,” The Athletic’s Alex Lewis posted on X, referring to the Vikings’ first-round pick (18th overall). “MIN has taken 3 defensive players with three picks, all on the spine.”
Their other selection at the time was former Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday.
Orange joins a Vikings defensive line that parted ways with starters Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen.
They signed with the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively, in free agency this offseason. Orange only had 1.0 sacks in four seasons with the Cyclones, but that may not matter much for the Vikings.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores could unlock Orange.
“I absolutely love this pick for the @Vikings,” NFL writer Doug Farrar posted on X. “Goes from a ton of three-man fronts that obscured his potential to Brian Flores and all his crazy-a** blitzes.”
However, the Vikings’ defensive tackles are not often playmakers, so Flores could be happy with Orange drawing attention away from Banks, whose massive size belies his tremendous athleticism.
Vikings Land ‘Massive Space-Eater’
GettyDomonique Orange #95 of the Iowa State Cyclones makes a tackle during a game against the TCU Horned Frogs.
The Ringer’s Todd McShay offered D.J. Reader as a “good high-end comparison” for Orange, whose “specialty” is taking on blockers.
“As NFL teams increasingly deploy two-high defensive shells to limit the vertical passing game, there’s a higher demand for massive space-eaters who can aid in the pursuit of defending the run with just three down linemen,” McShay wrote. “Orange grades out as a rotational player as a rookie but could work his way into a starting role early in his NFL career. He’s the type of player who could get 20 to 30 snaps per game.”
The Vikings also have 2025 seventh-round selection Levi Drake Rodriguez and veterans Elijah Williams, Jalen Redmond, and Taki Taimani. Redmond, who turned 27 in March, is the oldest player in the group.
Vikings Close Out Day 2 With Back-to-Back Picks
GettyCaleb Tiernan of the Northwestern Wildcats participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
With Orange officially joining the purple and gold, the Vikings held back-to-back selections near the end of Round 3. They selected Northwestern offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan and Miami safety Jakobe Thomas.
Tiernan is a massive prospect, standing at nearly 6-foot-8. He has shorter-than-ideal arms, which could spur a move inside to guard.
The Vikings have all four of their starting guards and tackles in place.
Thomas, who had three stops in college, brings size to the back end of the Vikings’ secondary that is still awaiting final word on Harrison Smith, but still has veteran options on hand.
The Vikings’ next pick as of Friday night is in the fifth round at 59th overall. They will have three selections total on the draft’s final day, including another set of back-to-back picks at Nos. 234 and 235 in the seventh round.
Keep up with all of the 2026 NFL Draft happenings with Heavy Sports NFL’s live blog!
Vikings Select ‘Big Citrus’ in Third Round of 2026 NFL Draft