The NFL Draft is just a week away, and both Ty Simpson and Kadyn Proctor are hoping to join the long list of Alabama players to be selected in the first round. Both will attend this year's NFL Draft, and it seems a near certainty, thanks to a big rise in the pre-draft process for Proctor, that Alabama will extend its streak of having a first-round pick to 18 consecutive years.
Proctor is a first-round lock. He's starting to even generate buzz in the Top 10, as high as No. 6 to the Cleveland Browns.
Simpson's standing is far less certain, though it seems likely that he'll ultimately hear his name called during the first night of the NFL Draft, too. His range is a lot more volatile, however.
ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released his final mock draft of the 2026 cycle on Tuesday. It was two rounds, featuring three Alabama players, with both Proctor and Simpson going in the first round. Both players were the subject of their landing spots making intriguing trades.
Kadyn Proctor to Cleveland, Ty Simpson to Arizona in Kiper's last 2026 mock draft
The Browns reportedly covet the Alabama left tackle, and while they could pull the trigger on him at No. 6, Kiper has them making a far more sensible move: trading down six spots, allowing the Dallas Cowboys to come up to take Ohio State LB Sonny Styles. Cleveland moves back to No. 12, picks up some extra draft capital, and still lands the player they covet.
"He (Proctor) has been buzzy this month, and while his tape is a little inconsistent, the traits are all there. Proctor could lock down the left tackle spot for an offensive line undergoing big alterations."Mel Kiper Jr.
For Simpson, Kiper projects the Arizona Cardinals, a popular team linked to Simpson in the pre-draft process, to swing a deal to move back into the first round. Kiper projects a trade with the Miami Dolphins, who picked up an extra first-round pick in the Jaylen Waddle trade, allowing the Cardinals to sneak in at No. 30 and nab Simpson near the end of day one.
The Cardinals are in need of a QB after releasing former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray. Jacoby Brissett is a perfectly fine bridge QB, but they need to identify their QB of the future. Perhaps that turns out to be Simpson.
"You might have heard that Simpson has started only 15 games, and that lack of experience is a concern. But he is also accurate, mobile and smart in the way he dissects opponent defenses. He threw 28 touchdown passes to only five interceptions last season. Why not take a swing at the most important position in the game?"Mel Kiper Jr.
The Dolphins would trade back four spots to No. 34 in this scenario. With that pick, Kiper has them selecting Alabama WR Germie Bernard, who appears to be trending up ahead of next week.
"Bernard has underrated speed (4.48) and superb hands, and new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik could get creative in how he uses him. Bernard had 862 yards and seven TDs as a pass catcher last season, but he also ran for 101 yards and two scores."Mel Kiper Jr.
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