S. I. Predicts Best Year 1 Players
Full article at:
https://www.vikings.com/news/domonique-orange-2026-nfl-draft-class-best-rookie-season-players
'Sports Illustrated' Predicts Best Year 1 Players for All 32 Teams
Flick casted predictions for the league's 32 teams and didn't take the easy route of 32 first-rounders, either.
In fact, the Vikings are one of 16 clubs that Flick thinks will benefit greatly from a non-Day 1 pick in 2026. Flick addressed Minnesota selecting Florida product Caleb Banks at 18, then made his case for the 82nd pick.
The Vikings had an interesting draft, swinging big on defensive [lineman] Caleb Banks in the first round and double-dipping on the interior with [Domonique] Orange. Both could start Week 1, and while Banks has game-wrecking potential, Orange is a safe bet to execute his role at a high level — the 6' 2", 322-pounder clogs lanes as well as any defensive tackle in the class. Another name to monitor here is third-round safety Jakobe Thomas, who could play significant snaps if Harrison Smith opts for retirement.
Flick did a good job circling the impact that Orange, aka "Big Citrus," may make in Year 1, while drawing attention to Banks and Thomas, the team's fifth Top 100 pick (98th) this cycle and fourth defender added.
Thomas is deserving of Flick's mention, too, because he played a quasi-quarterback-of-the-defense role on a Miami Hurricanes unit coached by former Gophers Defensive Coordinator Corey Hetherman, which demanded skills coveted by Vikings DC Brian Flores: aggression, communication, ball production, etc.
Orange, however, does feel like a "safe bet to execute his role at a high level" because he's going to give Flores' group a true nose tackle, someone who can muddy up the middle and reinforce the run defense.
For what it's worth, Flick singled out three more big men as NFC North rookies primed for success: Bears center Logan Jones (57th), Packers defensive tackle Chris McClellan (77) and Lions tackle Blake Miller (17).
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Big Citrus definitely has less of a spotlight on him and probably an easier role to fill. He’ll typically line up in 0 or shade. Bank’s could be in multiple positions. Regardless, it will be fun watching these guys develop.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
I think, barring injury, that Banks will have enough opportunities to create highlight film fodder that gets everyone amped up. I think our scheme creates a lot of confusion that if he gets a matchup with a guy who’s half distracted, he’ll just be by him. I think Big Citrus very well might have a better PFF grade than Banks, but nobody cares about NTs unless they are the top 1 or 2 NT that just destroys everything, so I think the media and public will see Banks as the breakout player.
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