The 2026 draft is officially one week away, and teams are finalizing their draft boards. With how the offseason panned out, there are still some holes along the offensive line, and the Detroit Lions need to find a way to improve the trenches.
The Lions hold the No. 17 overall pick in the first round, putting them in prime territory to draft Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor. Based on the tea leaves heading up to the draft, Detroit certainly has interest in him, and it shouldn't be overlooked at this point.
Lions Interest in Kadyn Proctor Continues to Grow Ahead of NFL Draft
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Proctor and the Lions spent time together during the draft process. And while plenty of rumors emerge at this time of year, it continues to connect the dots between Proctor and Detroit.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah was a guest on ESPN's 'The Mina Kimes Show with Lenny,' where they held a mock draft. In that episode, Jeremiah also revealed, "I was told they love Proctor, by the way," when speaking about the Lions.
And considering how the offensive line needs work, it's easy to see the connection. While Proctor may not be viewed as the top tackle in the class, he's certainly in the 3-6 range at the position and would be worthy of the No. 17 overall pick. He was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Alabama Crimson Tide, signaling a history of high-level football experience.
Proctor is massive, listed at 6'6" and 358 pounds. He has a huge frame, but his explosiveness is rare for a player of his size. Proctor has the power to carve out huge rushing lanes, but still needs to improve his technique as a pass blocker. People around the NFL also believe the Iowa native may be better suited as a guard at the next level.
Considering how shaky Christian Mahogany was in 2025, that would be a spot Proctor could also step in to assist. Nonetheless, Proctor is a player who could play multiple positions along Detroit's offensive line and would fill in a spot that needs some help. The Lions signed Larry Borom, and general manager Brad Holmes likes where he is headed. If they want to give the veteran the chance to start, adding Proctor gives them a security blanket if Borom doesn't play well, and in the meantime, could beat out Mahogany for the left guard spot. That would allow Penei Sewell to stay at right tackle, where he's been an All-Pro.
Time will tell if the Lions actually like Proctor as much as it seems, but there's a lot of smoke around the former Alabama standout and the Motor City.
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