Just one week before the NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars plugged a massive roster void when they traded for defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro. This doesn't mean that they won't further address the interior defensive line, but they gained plenty of flexibility in the early rounds, as they can now make upgrades to other position groups if they see fit.
On the other hand, the Jags could still add another defensive tackle in the draft even after trading for Orhorhoro. And with the Bengals acquiring Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants, there will be one fewer team looking to add a defensive tackle in Rounds 1 and 2. That may, in turn, help some of the top defensive tackles in this year's class to fall into Jacksonville's lap.
And if the Jaguars do choose to go defensive tackle, an NFL analyst is urging them to steer clear of one in specific.
The Jaguars are being urged to avoid Iowa State's Domonique Orange
Alex Ballentine put together a list of draft prospects each NFL team should avoid. He chose Domonique Orange for the Jaguars, arguing that they need a defensive tackle who can generate internal pass rush, and he probably won't help in that regard.
"Domonique Orange is a fun prospect, but if he's the first name called for the Jaguars, it's going to feel like a letdown," Ballentine wrote. "'Big Citrus' is going to make some team in need of a pure nose tackle happy, but the Jags should be looking for a little more pass rush if they go defensive line with their first selection."
Keep in mind that Ballentine says that Orange would be a letdown if the Jaguars pick him with their first pick in 2026, the 56th overall. But that's the thing, it would be shocking if they take the former Iowa State Cyclone in Round 2. He's projected to go in the third or even fourth round, so he would be a reach in the second.
Ballentine is right when he says Big Citrus isn't much of a pass rusher, though. B/R colleague Matt Holder notes that Orange doesn't do a good job of collapsing the pocket and projects him to be a two-down player, meaning that he'll mainly take on a run-stuffer role at the NFL level.
The Jaguars already have that player with that skill set on the roster. DaVon Hamilton, a third-round pick in 2020, excels at stymying the run but has registered just 5.5 career sacks, though. That said, Ham is slated to become a free agent in 2027, so it would make sense to bring his potential heir apparent and groom him for a year before he's ready to take on a bigger role.
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Why the Jaguars could still draft Domonique Orange
After trading for Ruke Orhorhoro, defensive tackle is no longer the Jaguars' top need in the draft. They could still take one at No. 56, but they can afford to bolster another position group, whether it's the interior offensive line, the cornerback unit, or the pass rush.
Having said that, Jacksonville has 11 draft picks, including three in Round 3, so it can definitely afford to invest one at defensive tackle. And if Domonique Orange is still on the board at No. 100 or early in the fourth round, he would be a solid pickup.
Maybe if the Jaguars had fewer draft picks, passing on Domonique Orange would make sense, but the truth is that they can definitely afford to use one on a defensive tackle who could turn out to be a pretty good run-stuffer at the NFL level.
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