Kadyn Proctor is a physical marvel. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 366 pounds, the Alabama left tackle enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most imposing trench prospects in recent memory. A former five-star recruit and Anthony Muñoz Award winner, Proctor’s blend of mass, length, and raw power has made him a fixture on the Crimson Tide’s offensive line since his freshman year. But while his frame screams first-round upside, his tape reveals a more nuanced story — one of dominance, inconsistency, and tantalizing potential.
Background and Pedigree
Born in Centerville, Iowa, Proctor starred at Southeast Polk High School, earning national acclaim as the No. 1 recruit in Iowa and a top-10 overall prospect in the 2023 class. His high school dominance translated immediately to the SEC, where he started 13 games as a true freshman and earned All-SEC Freshman Team honors. He followed that with 11 starts in 2024 and a Second-Team All-SEC selection, missing only two games due to injury. By the end of his junior season, Proctor had logged 40 career starts, anchoring Alabama’s left side with brute force and a growing technical foundation.
Physical Traits and Athletic Profile
Proctor’s size is his calling card, but it’s his movement skills at that size that make him a rare commodity. At 366 pounds, he clocked a 5.10-second 40-yard dash, showcasing surprising burst and range. His arm length and grip strength allow him to lock out defenders and control reps with minimal waist bend. He’s a natural people mover — explosive in downhill run schemes and capable of collapsing edges with sheer mass.
However, his athleticism is more linear than lateral. Proctor struggles to mirror twitchy edge rushers in space and can be exposed by speed-to-bend threats on deeper drops. His hip flexibility and recovery agility are average, and when his footwork gets lazy, he’s prone to clean losses — especially against slants and stunts.
Strengths
- Elite Frame and Power: Proctor overwhelms defenders with size and torque. He’s a tone-setter in the run game, capable of driving defenders off the ball and finishing with violence.
- Anchor and Hand Strength: In pass protection, he’s nearly immovable when set. His anchor absorbs bull rushes, and his hands can stall momentum with a single punch.
- Explosiveness in Short Areas: His initial burst in pass sets is impressive for his size. He covers ground quickly and rarely gets beat to the spot when engaged early.
- Durability and Experience: With 40 career starts in the SEC, Proctor brings a wealth of reps and battle-tested toughness to the next level.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Technique: Proctor’s hand placement and pad level fluctuate, especially late in games. He can be caught leaning or lunging, leading to balance issues.
- Limited Range in Space: He’s not a natural mover on screens or wide-zone concepts. His lateral agility limits his fit in schemes that demand fluidity.
- Pass Protection Warts: Speed rushers and inside counters have given him trouble. He’s vulnerable to quick first steps and lacks elite recovery traits.
- Projection Concerns: Some evaluators question whether he can stick at tackle long-term or if a move to guard would better suit his skill set.
NFL Projection and Scheme Fit
Proctor projects as a Late Day 1 pick with starter upside, particularly for teams running gap or power-based run schemes. His best fit may be at right tackle or guard, where his lack of elite range is less exposed and his power can be maximized. Teams like the Detroit Lions, who reportedly met with him at the East-West Shrine Bowl, could see him as a plug-and-play mauler with long-term upside.
While his draft stock has fluctuated — especially after a shaky start to the 2025 season — Proctor rebounded with strong performances down the stretch, including a standout showing in the 2024 Rose Bowl against Michigan’s Mason Graham. His ceiling remains high, but he’ll need refinement to reach it.
Final Evaluation
Kadyn Proctor is a boom-or-bust prospect with All-Pro physical tools and starter-level production, but he’s not a finished product. His tape is littered with dominant reps and head-scratching losses, making him one of the more polarizing linemen in the 2026 class. If he lands with a coaching staff that can clean up his technique and tailor a scheme to his strengths, Proctor could become a franchise cornerstone. If not, he may struggle to find consistency at tackle and require a positional shift.
Either way, Proctor’s name will be called on Day 1 — and his development will be one of the more intriguing storylines of the 2026 rookie class.
