The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for another chance to evaluate a potential addition to their defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft. Iowa State's defensive tackle, Domonique Orange, affectionately known as “Big Citrus,” is set to hold a private workout on April 7. This comes after Orange missed out on testing at the NFL Combine and Iowa State’s pro day due to a quad strain.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 322 pounds, Orange has built a reputation as a formidable force in run defense during his tenure with the Cyclones. His primary role over the A-gap in Iowa State’s 3-4 scheme makes him a rare find as a true nose tackle in this draft class. Pro Football Focus notes that in 2025, out of his 543 total snaps, 412 were over the A-gap.
In his last season, Orange played 12 games, recording 18 tackles, with 0.5 tackles for loss and a pass defended. His standout year was 2024, where he notched 24 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass defended.
Considered a day-two prospect, Orange is ranked No. 66 on the NFL Mock Draft Database big board. This places him between the Steelers' second-round pick at No. 53 and their third-round pick at No. 75.
The Steelers are in the midst of a strategic rebuild of their defensive line. They've added Keeanu Benton in the second round of 2023 and picked Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black in last year’s draft.
With veteran Cam Heyward approaching his 37th year, the team might be eyeing another future cornerstone for their line. Given Black's versatility at three-technique and five-technique, adding a dedicated nose tackle like Orange could be a smart move for Pittsburgh in the upcoming draft.