Vikings' young defenders need a better showing. Several rookies deliver against the Ravens.

Andrew Krammer, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Aug 22, 2026

Published in Football

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MINNEAPOLIS — Rookie defensive tackle Domonique Orange had a welcome-to-the-Vikings moment during Saturday’s 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Orange, listed 6-foot-2 and 322 pounds, dropped into coverage on second down.

You read that correctly.

One of the Vikings’ heaviest players dropped into coverage.

Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley even targeted Orange, the third-round pick out of Iowa State, while facing a six-man Vikings blitz that generated quick pressure. But Ravens receiver LaJohntay Wester dropped the quick pass over the middle.

That’s what happens when a defensive playbook is full of zone blitzes like with coordinator Brian Flores, who dropped all his defensive tackles at various points last season: Jalen Redmond (seven coverage snaps), Jonathan Allen (five), Javon Hargrave (four) and Levi Drake Rodriguez (three), according to Pro Football Focus.

Orange joined other Vikings rookies in leading a strong run defense that limited Ravens running backs to 15 carries for 39 yards (a 2.6-yard average). Defensive tackle Caleb Banks, the No. 18 overall pick out of Florida, flashed his talent when he shed a Ravens tight end and stopped running back Jonathan Ward for a 2-yard gain as Baltimore was backed up to its own goal line.

Linebacker Jake Golday, the second-round pick from Cincinnati, led the team with five combined tackles (four solo) when he took a seat in the second half.

The Vikings’ top rookie defenders, led by Banks, Golday and Orange, needed that step in the right direction after a quiet debut in last week’s preseason opener at the New York Giants. Two other third-round picks — offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan and safety Jakobe Thomas — did not play due to left ankle and back injuries, respectively.

Cornerback Charles Demmings, the fifth-round pick who started the game opposite cornerback James Pierre, missed a tackle on Ravens receiver Devontez Walker during a 27-yard catch and run in the third quarter. Walker gained another eight yards after Demmings’ miss.

The Ravens adjusted to the Vikings’ aggressive defense by the second half, countering Minnesota’s heavy fronts with quick passes. Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano threw the game’s only touchdown to Wester in the third quarter, when Vikings linebacker Jacob Roberts and outside linebacker Chaz Chambliss hastily backpedaled in coverage and had the ball thrown over their heads.

Fullback Max Bredeson and running back Demond Claiborne, the fifth- and sixth-round picks, started on offense. Claiborne struggled out of the gate behind a backup offensive line. He managed carries for seven and nine yards, but otherwise gained two yards on six attempts.

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