Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor has been a tricky draft evaluation for some, at times rising because of his unique blend of size, length, and hands, but the former 5-star recruit is also not as dominant you might expect of an offensive lineman over 6’6 and 350 lbs. However, in a weak draft class that some believe falls off after the top-8, Proctor’s stock might be rising close to where the L.A. Rams pick at 13.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeting on Tuesday that in talking to NFL teams that Proctor is among four tackles who could go in the first 17 picks, alongside Spencer Fano, Monroe Freeling, and Francis Mauigoa. The Rams have potential needs coming up at right tackle and both guard positions, and with some expecting Proctor’s best position to be inside, his supposed versatility could be an asset for a franchise that might not be excited about anyone in this draft.
In talking to teams today, wouldn't surprise to see four OTs go in first 15-17 picks. Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano are consensus. Monroe Freeling, Kadyn Proctor have worked their way into conversation — feet, length, prototype LT and SEC pedigree. NFC exec: 'Would have said…
Proctor was given a first round grade by Lance Zierlein, citing him as “a mass of humanity” but that he gets beat by shiftier defenders too often:
Proctor is a mass of humanity with rare size and length at his command. He’s capable as a move blocker but shines when rolling downhill as a bona-fide people mover with bulldozing power. However, slants and quick first steps beat him to the spot in the run game. When set and centered, Proctor is a roadblock to speed-to-power charges. He has a stout anchor and strong hands to stall the rush in its track. He struggles to mirror athletes in space and lacks the range to protect deeper pocket drops against speed. Inconsistency in pass protection hasn’t helped his draft standing, but he still has the potential to become a good right tackle or very good guard.
In a fascinating interview for any offensive line fan, Zierlein and Brandon Thorn appeared on The Joe Moore Award show to talk about Proctor, Mauigoa, and what it takes to be a great offensive line prospect in the NFL:
Both Thorn and Zierlein agreed that Proctor’s best position is guard and that it would best serve him if his next team just moved him to guard and let him play there immediately rather than to first see if he “fails” at tackle.
Would the Rams be interested in spending 2026 as a learning year for Proctor behind the scenes at guard. And if he’s ahead of schedule, trading either Kevin Dotson or Steve Avila before the deadline?
Dotson, Avila, right tackle Warren McClendon, and center Coleman Shelton are all 2027 free agents.
The issues for Proctor could be many, but if you’re looking for a clean prospect in this draft — even at pick 13 — you aren’t going to find one. This could be why the Rams are rumored to be one of the most interested teams in moving up for a blue chip player like Jeremiyah Love. The fact is that Proctor might be a boom-or-bust pick, but the choices at 13 are either going to be someone like that or someone who just doesn’t carry a very high ceiling.
Perhaps someone like Proctor, who should be available at 13, carries just as much value as some of the receivers or corners being bandied about at 13. Just this week, Jermod McCoy, a cornerback routinely drafted ahead of 13, is said to be falling out of the first round entirely because of medical issues.
An update on Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy, via @TomPelissero: Doctors are concerned that he will need another surgery to replace a bone plug used to repair a cartilage defect in his knee.The concerns are NOT about his surgically repaired ACL. pic.twitter.com/KXvIKPFNpH
Is this not further evidence that if Proctor goes in the first 15 picks, it wouldn’t be that shocking? Even though he could also drop out of the first round entirely too.
Proctor, like all the picks at 13, just aren’t solidly set as having first round grades.
But if the Rams need to add 350 lbs to their team on Thursday, there is only one guy who can do that.