Vikings Could Draft a Behemoth Known as “Big Citrus”

Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Some fans want the Minnesota Vikings to draft a defensive tackle like Peter Woods or Kayden McDonald in Round 1, but the club could wait until the following day by picking “Big Citrus” Domonique Orange.

The Vikings may need a DT, and Orange looks like one of the more realistic paths.

Minnesota met with Orange last week, a man who obviously snagged his moniker from his last name and size.

Orange Stands Out in Minnesota’s Mid-Round Search

The Vikings’ newest DT could come from Round 2 or 3.

Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) celebrates after bringing down the quarterback, delivering a momentum-shifting sack in a high-profile matchup. Dec 7, 2024 captured the play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, where Orange helped disrupt Arizona State’s offense with pressure in the first half. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.

Orange Chats with Vikings

Orange made the rounds last week, with the NFL draft upcoming on April 23rd. He’ll have plenty of suitors.

Click2Houston‘s Aaron Wilson wrote, “Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange impressed NFL teams at his campus workout, showing that he has recovered from a quadriceps injury. The Texans attended his Pro Day workout and helped run the drills. Orange, nicknamed “Big Citrus,’ is scheduled to visit the Texans at NRG Stadium, per a league source.”

“Orange is also set to visit the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears. He’s regarded by NFL teams as a classic, space-eating anchor in the middle of the defense. Orange (6-foot-2, 322 pounds) was a third-team All-Big 12 Conference selection last season.”

The Cyclone lives at No. 66 on the Consensus Big Board, meaning he’s likely to hear his name called at the end of Round 2 or beginning of Round 3.

The Scouting Report

Orange is 6’2″ and 325 pounds and known for his first-step speed, his anchor, and long arms. A year ago, he earned a spot on Bruce Feldman’s popular “Freaks” list. However, Orange is not known for rushing the passer and doesn’t have many bull-rush tendencies. He’s a nose tackle.

NFL Draft Buzz on his skill set: “Orange’s value at the next level is straightforward: he can fill a nose tackle role in an odd-front defense and give you honest, dependable reps against the run on early downs. His combination of first-step quickness, anchor strength, and length makes him someone who can eat blocks and hold gaps, which frees up linebackers to flow to the football.”

“The performance against Iowa in 2025, where he held up against one of the best centers in college football, speaks to what he can do against quality competition at the point of attack. The tackling regression in his final college season is also worth watching, as his missed tackle rate jumped well above career norms.”

Orange turned 22 last month. He’s got youth on his side.

TBD added, “His testing numbers suggest limited range and pursuit, meaning he needs to win early in the play or he probably won’t make the stop. In the right scheme, Orange can be a useful early-down nose who absorbs blocks and keeps the interior clean.”

“A 3-4 defense that values gap control and doesn’t ask its nose to do much as a rusher is the ideal landing spot. He has the frame, the hands, and the anchor to hold up at the pro level in that role. His floor is a capable run-stuffing rotation piece; his ceiling is a starting nose in a defense that can scheme around his limitations on passing downs.”

2 Starting DTs Out This Offseason

The Vikings’ pre-draft meeting with Orange takes on greater significance given the uncertainty at defensive tackle. Currently, Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins are in line for considerable playing time. While this group is intriguing, a rookie could find a role — especially if the Vikings don’t sign a free agent like Christian Wilkins.

And the DT need developed recently. In March, Minnesota released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, a tandem that played nearly 1,400 defensive snaps in 2025. The duo, former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s major free-agent acquisitions on the defensive line last offseason, failed to meet expectations. To add insult to injury, Allen signed with the Bengals, and Hargrave joined Green Bay.

Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) reacts following a strong defensive play, showing energy and presence along the line of scrimmage. Sep 6, 2025 highlighted the rivalry setting at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, where Orange contributed to Iowa State’s defensive effort against the Hawkeyes in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images.

Therefore, with Minnesota’s defensive tackle situation rapidly evolving, the meeting with Orange appears particularly important.

The Other DT Options

Suppose for a moment that Minnesota wants to leave the draft with a defensive tackle but not Orange. The list from a mid-April viewpoint looks like this:

• Peter Woods (Clemson | R1)
• Kayden McDonald (Ohio State | R1-R2)
• Caleb Banks (Florida | R2)
• Christen Miller (Georgia | R2)
• Lee Hunter (Texas Tech | R2)
• Gracen Halton (Oklahoma | R3)
• Darrell Jackson Jr. (Florida State | R3)
• Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana | R4)
• Chris McClellan (Missouri | R4)
• Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati | R4)
• Zxavian Harris (Mississippi | R4)
• Zane Durant (Penn State | R4-R5)
• DeMonte Capehart (Clemson | R5)
• Rayshaun Benny (Michigan | R5)

Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) poses during media day, offering a clear look at his build and presence ahead of the upcoming season. Aug 2, 2024 showed the setting at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, where Orange took part in team media availability before fall preparations began. Mandatory Credit: Zach Boyden-Holmes-Imagn Images.

Hunter of Texas Tech is a popular mock-draft favorite among fans, and Minnesota met with Jackson Jr. of Florida State, as well.

The draft is nine days away. The Vikings have two picks to explore Orange in Round 3: Nos. 82 and 97.