Dolphins draft Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor with No. 12 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
The Sullivan-Hafley era is officially underway.
With the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins selected Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor. This marks the first pick under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley.
With the needs everywhere – cornerback, edge rusher, wide receiver, offensive linemen, safety – and apparent, the regime opted to address the trenches. Proctor could immediately challenge Jamaree Salyer or Jonah Savaiinaea to start at either guard spot and potentially even succeed Austin Jackson at right tackle. His presence should also benefit star running back De’Von Achane, a player who already got Proctor excited.
“We’re going to run the s*** out the ball,” Proctor said, adding that it’s “going to feel so good and knowing your blocking for a guy that makes my job easier.”
To say the Proctor pick was a bit of surprise would be an understatement. After the New York Giants picked Miami Hurricanes tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10, the Dolphins seemingly had a choice between Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and fellow Cane Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 11. The Dolphins opted to trade back one spot with the Dallas Cowboys, the team that would eventually select Downs, in exchange for picks No. 12, 177 and 180.
Even more surprising: the following quote from his former coach and college football legend Nick Saban.
“The issue with him is - he’s not a bad person,” Saban said Thursday on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “He’ll do whatever you ask him to, once you get him in the building. But when he’s not in the building, he might get a little overweight, he might not come in in the best shape, and those are the things you have to manage with him. But I think they’re manageable. He’s not exactly a self-starter who will get in great shape and come to camp like you want him. But if you can get him to come to camp, [once] you got him there, you can get him ready to go. So, I don’t think that’s a huge negative for the guy.”
Proctor acknowledged Saban’s concerns about his weight, saying that he was nearly 400 pounds when he arrived at Alabama as a freshman yet has since improved in that area.
“I’ve got a couple years under my belt when I’ve kept that in check,” Proctor said.
Proctor started at left tackle all three seasons in Tuscaloosa, racking up SEC All-Freshman team, Second-team All-SEC, First-team All-SEC and Second-team Associated Press All-American honors along the way. He also won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the top SEC offensive lineman, and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award in 2025. His sheer size — 6-foot-6-and-5/8-inches — and length — 33 3/8 inches — make him an appealing prospect.
Having started 39 games over the past three seasons, Proctor’s durability and well as athleticism — he had five carries for 16 yardsd in 2025 — are assets as well. Analysts, however, question his discipline and technique, specifically in pass protection.
“He’s capable as a move blocker but shines when rolling downhill as a bona-fide people mover with bulldozing power,” NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein wrote. “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.”
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 9:22 PM.
