Alabama LT Kadyn Proctor is one of the most intriguing draft prospects for the 2026 class. He's entering his true junior season in Tuscaloosa, but most expect it will be his last with the Crimson Tide.
Kalen DeBoer mentioned at SEC Media Days that Proctor is in line to graduate this fall. He has pushed himself to get his degree in three years to be able to obtain a degree before a planned jump to the NFL. It has all been part of a calculated three-year plan for the former 5-star prospect.
In terms of raw talent and size, Proctor looks the part. But after two years at Alabama, he's currently a polarizing prospect for the draft, with some believing he has Top 5 potential and others more cautious and seeing him more as a late first or early second-round pick.
ESPN lists Kadyn Proctor as a long shot to be the No. 1 pick
According to ESPN's Jordan Reid, Proctor is one of 14 college football players with a shot at being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The highest odds are, understandably, given to four quarterbacks: South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Penn State's Drew Allar, and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier.
Proctor is among six players listed as "long shots." Reid writes:
"Proctor has the size (6-7, 360 pounds) to go very high in the draft, and his best tape is one of a top-10 pick. But he's a polarizing prospect because of his inconsistent play. At his best, he has the power and pop in his hands to quickly overwhelm rushers at the point of attack. He's forceful in the run game and generates movement with ease. His pass protection is where he needs improvement, as there are hot and cold spurts in Proctor's play. Scouts want to see him play to his potential more as a pass blocker. If he does, he could be the first blocker off the board."
Proctor steadily improved from his freshman to sophomore seasons at Alabama, but has still struggled with consistency. He's still carrying a little more weight than he would like. On the official roster, he's listed at 369 pounds, and while he said at SEC Media Days he is comfortable playing at that weight, he would like to drop 10-15 pounds before the start of the season.
If Proctor can take the next step this season, it will be massive in solidifying Alabama's offensive line. He is one of three returning starters, alongside C Parker Brailsford and RG Jaedan Roberts. Proctor will protect the blindside of Alabama's new starting QB - likely Ty Simpson - and giving an inexperienced signal-caller the comfort of not having to worry about getting blasted from behind will be key.
Proctor has taken on a leadership role this season. DeBoer was effusive with his praise of the big left tackle at SEC Media Days. There's no reason to believe that Proctor won't take another step, but it will need to be seen before Alabama's potential as the best offensive line in the country can be realized.