Image source: AP Photo/Vasha Hunt
Alabama’s season-ending loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl set off major roster changes, with more than 20 Crimson Tide players either transferring or turning pro. One of the biggest names in that group is offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who officially declared for the NFL draft on Tuesday after three years in Tuscaloosa.
Kadyn Proctor leaves college as one of Alabama’s most battle-tested linemen, logging 823 snaps at left tackle last season and allowing just one sack, according to Pro Football Focus. Some draft analysts have him pegged as a first-rounder, including Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline, who projects him to go on Day 1.
But not everyone sees him as a tackle at the next level. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently wrote that league opinion on the 6-foot-7, 366-pound blocker varies widely. As Reid explained, “I’ve talked with multiple scouts about (Kadyn) Proctor in recent weeks, and opinions on the 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman remain all over the place,” via ESPN.
Reid noted that many evaluators believe Proctor could be drafted in the top 25 based on size and flashes of improvement, but several scouts told him they view Proctor as a potential NFL guard rather than a tackle. One possible fit, Reid suggested, is the Los Angeles Chargers, a franchise valued at over $6 billion. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt expected to return as bookend tackles, Proctor could slide inside and help protect star quarterback Justin Herbert.
That need is real. The Chargers struggled up front this past season, with Slater and Alt both missing time. Herbert was sacked 54 times, and backup Trey Lance went down six times in limited action. Interior toughness has become a priority for L.A., and Reid argues Proctor matches the Chargers’ physical style as a downhill blocker.
Still, Kadyn Proctor is not seen as flawless. Pauline noted that Proctor “struggles” when dealing with defenders who win with lateral movement and speed, occasionally looking stiff against edge rushers. Even so, his upside and SEC experience make him one of the more intriguing linemen in the class. The big question for scouts is not whether he can play in the league, but where.
Alabama Left With Major O-Line Holes
Proctor’s jump to the NFL adds to a large wave of departures along Alabama’s offensive front. Olaus Alinen, Roq Montgomery, Micah DeBose, Joseph Ionata, and Arkel Anugwom all entered the transfer portal, leaving new head coach Kalen DeBoer scrambling for depth and replacements heading into 2025.
DeBoer spoke highly of Proctor’s development, saying, “He ain’t scared of work… he’s always going to be in there grinding and give everything he has.” Proctor’s production backs that up. As a true freshman, he earned All-SEC Freshman honors while allowing 12 sacks and creating 23 hurries and 36 pressures, per PFF. His homecoming return to Alabama this season helped the Tide finish 10-2 and reach the College Football Playoff.
Whether Proctor ends up at tackle or guard, he enters the draft as one of the most physically impressive linemen available. For Alabama, the challenge now is finding someone who can match his level of play. For Proctor, the next chapter is here — and it may come with a position switch on Sundays.
Who is Kadyn Proctor?
Kadyn Proctor is a former Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle who played three seasons at left tackle and is regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Why did Kadyn Proctor declare for the NFL Draft?
Proctor was projected as a high draft pick by multiple analysts. With strong game experience and first-round potential, he chose to turn pro despite having one year of eligibility remaining.
What position will Kadyn Proctor play in the NFL?
While he played left tackle at Alabama, some scouts—like ESPN’s Jordan Reid—believe he may be better suited as a guard at the NFL level. His ideal position remains a topic of debate.
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