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One of the only glaring weaknesses on the New Orleans Saints defense in 2025 was in the middle of their defensive line. They did improve on a woeful run defense from the prior year, but lacked a prototype nose tackle in the middle. After doing virtually nothing to change that in free agency, the Saints may look to do something here in the draft. If so, Domonique Orange from the Iowa State Cyclones could be a target.
New Orleans returns Davon Godchaux and Khristian Boyd at the position along with re-signing John Ridgeway III and getting back 2025 draft pick Vernon Broughton from injury. However, only Godchaux and Boyd are considered true nose tackles and have had mixed results at best. Orange is one of a few prototype nose tackles in this draft who could quietly upgrade a defense.
A three-star recruit and twice an all-state selection at North Kansas City High School in Missouri, Orange landed with the Iowa State Cyclones. He would see light playing in every game as a freshman in 2022, recording a total of 8 tackles. In 2023, his playing time increased and he'd respond with Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades thanks to 16 tackles and strong run defense.
Orange repeated that recognition in 2024 by increasing his tackle total to 24 stops, including 4.5 for loss and a sack. In 2025, Orange contributed 18 tackles and received a 3rd Team All-Big 12 selection. Nicknamed 'Big Citrus' early on, Orange got his weight under control and improved his stamina early in his collegiate career.
A bit overlooked in national circles, Orange seems highly regarded by NFL teams and scouts. So much so that he could be selected as high as midway through the second day. Orange's lack of pass rushing ability and the fact that he probably isn't an every down contributor is more likely to push him into the third day of picks.
Domonique Orange is the type of player that won't fill up the stat sheet, but will tie up blockers and clog inside running lanes. This is precisely the kind of player that's been missing in the middle of the Saints defense. Orange won't be an every down player, but would be a huge benefit on early downs, short yardage, and in goal line situations. He wouldn't be a flashy pick, but one that makes sense for the New Orleans defense in the middle rounds.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Iowa State DT Domonique Orange scouting report
Continue reading...
New Orleans returns Davon Godchaux and Khristian Boyd at the position along with re-signing John Ridgeway III and getting back 2025 draft pick Vernon Broughton from injury. However, only Godchaux and Boyd are considered true nose tackles and have had mixed results at best. Orange is one of a few prototype nose tackles in this draft who could quietly upgrade a defense.
Domonique Orange bio
- Position: Defensive tackle
- College: Iowa State Cyclones
- Height: 6-feet, 2 inches
- Weight: 322 pounds
A three-star recruit and twice an all-state selection at North Kansas City High School in Missouri, Orange landed with the Iowa State Cyclones. He would see light playing in every game as a freshman in 2022, recording a total of 8 tackles. In 2023, his playing time increased and he'd respond with Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades thanks to 16 tackles and strong run defense.
Orange repeated that recognition in 2024 by increasing his tackle total to 24 stops, including 4.5 for loss and a sack. In 2025, Orange contributed 18 tackles and received a 3rd Team All-Big 12 selection. Nicknamed 'Big Citrus' early on, Orange got his weight under control and improved his stamina early in his collegiate career.
Strengths
- Size makes him a natural lane clogger
- Sets a powerful base in the middle
- Impressive lower and upper body power
- Explosive first step
- Long reach and good hand movement
- Solid spin move as counter
- Owns inside gaps as a run defender
Weaknesses
- Weight control and stamina could be issues
- Zero factor in pass rush
- Must improve lateral movement
- Needs to disengage from blocks faster
- Often nullified by double-teams
Domonique Orange 2026 draft outlook
A bit overlooked in national circles, Orange seems highly regarded by NFL teams and scouts. So much so that he could be selected as high as midway through the second day. Orange's lack of pass rushing ability and the fact that he probably isn't an every down contributor is more likely to push him into the third day of picks.
Domonique Orange is the type of player that won't fill up the stat sheet, but will tie up blockers and clog inside running lanes. This is precisely the kind of player that's been missing in the middle of the Saints defense. Orange won't be an every down player, but would be a huge benefit on early downs, short yardage, and in goal line situations. He wouldn't be a flashy pick, but one that makes sense for the New Orleans defense in the middle rounds.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Iowa State DT Domonique Orange scouting report
Continue reading...
