Bolts From The Blue
The Chargers built their current interior defensive line by signing low-cost free agents and re-signing the cheaper Tart over retaining Poona Ford. Through the first month of the season, the group is playing admirably, especially rookie Jamaree Caldwell who is pushing Tart for the team’s top interior defender.
However, that plan is nothing that Joe Hortiz and JIm Harbaugh want to rely on in the longterm. The Chargers should look to upgrade that position in next year’s draft and there’s luckily more than a few notable names for them to keep an eye one.
One such name is Iowa State’s Domonique Orange, a 6’4, 325-pound behemoth who has swiftly risen up draft boards over the last 12 months. In a new 2026 mock draft from The Athletic, the Bolts ended up being paired with Orange with the 22nd-overall pick. And for those that care about that kind of thing, that means Chargers end up being a playoff team in this scenario.
Here’s what NFL analyst Nick Baumgardner had to say about the pairing:
“Florida star DT Caleb Banks has been sidelined with a foot injury, which could create some movement on the defensive tackle board. Georgia’s Christen Miller is also a candidate to start moving up, but Orange is the second DT selected here. He is a balanced, powerful and sturdy presence, at 6-1, 328. Add in his exceptional explosion and you have a very versatile interior defender.”
(*Note: I am unsure who is right, but analysts are differing on his actual height)
Orange is currently in his fourth season playing for the Cyclones. Through five games this season, he has just 10 total tackles with no tackles for loss or sacks. In 2024, Orange finished the year with 24 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack with a pass deflection en route to earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors.
The stats will not be there for Orange due to his game as a true nose tackle, but the Chargers could certainly use an immovable object in the middle of their defense. But what do you all think? Would you be happy with Orange in the first round? Let us know all your thoughts below!
