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Vikings Draft Domonique Orange, Trade Greenard for Picks

4/26/2026

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Summary

Vikings Draft Orange

The Minnesota Vikings drafted nose tackle Domonique Orange with the 82nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Domonique Orange, a 6-foot-2, posted 66 tackles, seven for loss and one sack in 50 Iowa State games.
Brian Flores (defensive coordinator) will use Domonique Orange as a space-eater in defense, replacing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
The pick followed a trade sending Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia for 2026 (98th) and 2027 picks.

Summary

Orange Drafted

Scouting analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked Orange No. 6 among defensive linemen in 2026.
Brugler described him as powerful and immovable inside but noted room to improve pass rush.
His weight grew from 300 pounds as a freshman to over 400 pounds as a senior.
He trimmed to 325 pounds in junior college.
He entered the NFL Draft listed at 322 pounds, reflecting his final nutrition plan.

History

Historical Context

After signing undrafted defensive tackle John Randle in 1990, the Vikings built a stout interior line that helped the 1996 team reach the playoffs with a 9-7 record and a defense anchored by Randle’s six first-team All-Pro selections. In 2026 the franchise continued that philosophy by drafting a heavyweight nose tackle Domonique Orange, reinforcing its long-standing emphasis on space-eating interior linemen.

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Vikings Draft Orange

The Minnesota Vikings drafted nose tackle Domonique Orange with the 82nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Domonique Orange, a 6-foot-2, posted 66 tackles, seven for loss and one sack in 50 Iowa State games.
Brian Flores (defensive coordinator) will use Domonique Orange as a space-eater in defense, replacing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
The pick followed a trade sending Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia for 2026 (98th) and 2027 picks.

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