The 2026 NFL Draft is in full swing, and the Minnesota Vikings have already selected two college prospects to join the team as rookies for the upcoming season, but there are still more young, talented players on the way.
The Vikings owned pick No. 82 overall in the third round and looked to add another high-potential prospect with that pick. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski had a tough decision to make with this pick.
When the pick was finally in, and Minnesota offensive tackle Brian O'Neill took the stage to announce the pick, fans were finally able to hear the name of the collegiate prospect who will be wearing purple and gold.
Minnesota Vikings select Iowa State DL Domonique Orange with pick No. 82 in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings already selected a defensive tackle and a linebacker, so the purple and gold had numerous options for what position group and prospect to choose when they were on the clock on Friday.
When the player's name was finally announced, it was Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange who would actually be the first pick of the Vikings in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Orange is a big-bodied defensive lineman who lined up at nose for Iowa State. Standing six-foot-four and weighing 322 pounds, the 22-year-old defender adds great depth to a unit that struggled last season to win in the trenches and control the line of scrimmage.
It appears as though Minnesota is serious about beefing up the trenches and isn't afraid to use top draft picks this year to ensure that the defense continues to be a strong point for Kevin O'Connell's squad in 2026 and beyond.
Fans hoping for a fun, shiny pick early in this draft must be a little disappointed. However, the purple and gold are building from the ground up and want to win at the point of attack in a massively competitive NFC North division, and getting two big, strong defensive linemen and a versatile linebacker can go a long way in making sure the defense is strong and capable enough to keep the team in games.
The Minnesota Vikings still owned another pick in the third round. Pick No. 97 would be the next pick owned and another opportunity for Brzezinski to add to his resume to become the full-time general manager after the draft.
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