FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Domonique Orange
Domonique Orange (DL – Iowa State)
6’4″ – 325 lbs.
Background:
A three-star recruit who weighed over 400 pounds in high school, “Big Citrus” cut his weight down to 350 pounds as a freshman and rotated into the defense for 219 snaps, posting eight tackles. Started five games and played 442 total snaps in 2023, finishing with sixteen tackles (two for loss), then went 24-4.5-1.0 over 367 tackles the following year (seven starts). Added another 18 tackles this year on 547 snaps.
Positives:
Has been starting for a good chunk of the past three seasons. A true zero-technique with the size to two-gap on a three-man line, which was what he was asked to do in school. Probably the most prototypical throwback two-gap run stuffer in the class. There’s some explosiveness to his game when he comes out of his snap, and his first step generally comes in the right direction when playing the run. Shows good lateral quickness to work into rushing lanes. Does a great job of keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage through the snap. Has a very strong anchor to hold the point of attack, even against double-teams, and attracts them consistently. Keeps his eyes up and does a good job of locating the ball and shedding at the right time to put himself in position to make stops. Shows good power in his hands to jolt opponents on contact. Can attract double-teams on passing downs to create opportunities for teammates.
Negatives:
Effectiveness dipped this past year as he was asked to play more snaps than usual. Short-area quickness is impressive, but doesn’t have much range in space. Doesn’t always do the best job of maximizing his length to lock out opponents. Consistency as a tackler has been an issue. The team left him on the field for a ton of pass-rushing snaps this past season, but has just one career sack and lacks the closing speed to finish his rushes. Basically an effort-based rusher without a very sophisticated repertoire of moves and counters. Has made improvements in conditioning, but weight was an issue in high school, and teams can be wary of these much bigger nose tackle types.
Summary:
The most traditional zero-technique, two-gap, odd-front run stuffer in a deep class of big, nose tackle prospects, with all of the positive and negative connotations that carries. On early downs, has arguably the strongest anchor in the class, with good instincts, square shoulders, and the ability to control/discard blockers and make stops. On passing downs, was on the field a lot in school but doesn’t offer quite as much as some of his peers in the class. Consequently, might slip into the third round or so, behind some of the more “exciting” options.
Projection: Round 3
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