2026 NFL DRAFT

PROSPECT PROFILE

DOMONIQUE ORANGE

DL, IOWA STATE 6-2, 325

Strengths

• Massive power at the POA to push linemen backwards
• Heavy hands with exceptional punch
• Fantastic anchor to absorb the blocks, hold the POA, and find the football
• High football IQ and awareness to read screens and misdirection plays
• Good get off at the snap to shoot gaps
• Displays a variety of plus techniques with a swim, club, and hump
• Can be effective from a 0-3 alignment in an odd or even front
• Plays with decent pad level most of the time using leverage to win the rep
• Very active motor to chase plays down from behind or laterally

Weaknesses

• Pad level consistency is a problem. He has stretches where he plays to upright immediately out of his stance losing the leverage battle
• Has a tendency to turn his shoulders trying to get skinny shooting gaps which make him very susceptible to getting blown out of the play by backside blockers
• Can be to eager to shoot gaps instead of anchoring and diagnosing which takes him out of the play naturally
• Does not shed or split double teams well

The “Big Citrus” is a DT whose initial calling card is power. He has heavy hands and a sturdy punch off the snap to stun linemen and has a quick first step to shoot gaps and force the action. He is at his best when he can deliver the first strike off the snap, absorb the counter, observe, and react to make plays at or behind the LOS. Orange also displays a natural feel and instinct for the position where he can read screens and misdirection plays, and react to them instead of being sucked in by the deception. The pass rush arsenal is still developing, but he does have a fantastic swim move that he uses to get into the backfield immediately off the snap. He has decent tracking speed to chase down ball carriers and QB from behind, so he has some tools to work with and refine as a rusher. He is not just a space eater on the interior. He also has some versatility along the defensive line, being effective anywhere from a 0-3 technique.

The biggest flaws in his game are his inconsistent pad level and his tendency to play with over aggression trying to shoot gaps immediately to be a disruptor instead of anchoring, shedding and making stops. This causes him to turn his shoulders and hips making him easy to block out of the play. 

To start his career, I think Orange would be best suited as a rotational run stuffer who can develop into a larger role with more refinement to his game. His ability to snuff out screens, draws and misdirection plays shows there is meat on the bone to become a complete DT.

There is no chance Domonique Orange will be the selection at 1.22, because he is not dynamic enough, but he is absolutely a day two player. If the Chargers chose to wait to address the DT until day two, “The Big Citrus” would be a great addition to the DT room by adding his awareness and run stuffing ability. I would much prefer him on day two than adding a player of similar skill set in Lee Hunter in the first round.