The Kansas City Chiefs were connected to Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to a news update from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
“Bama OT Kadyn Proctor, one of the Draft’s top tackles, most recently visited the San Francisco 49ers on a Top 30 visit,” Rapoport relayed about a week before the NFL draft. He then added that “Proctor has spent time with the Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, among others.”
Clearly, the physically gifted 6-foot-6 blocker is quite popular heading into draft night. Although, along with interest, pre-draft visits typically involve questions about a prospect.
According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and his draft guide, “The Beast,” Proctor started 40 games at left tackle over the past three seasons, displaying durability.
However, the O-tackle’s uneven track record includes several strengths and weaknesses.
“Proctor is big, strong and explosive, which is an exciting foundation for an offensive lineman, but that optimism should be curbed until his discipline and technique catch up,” Brugler noted atop his scouting report. “He has starting-caliber upside at left tackle, although some teams believe moving to guard would be best for his pro career.”
Chiefs Still Need Another Long-Term Solution at Offensive Tackle After Jawaan Taylor News
GettyCould Jawaan Taylor’s release lead to the Kansas City Chiefs drafting Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor?
The Chiefs cut ties with starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor this offseason. Taylor’s contract didn’t match his performance, so his release was highly anticipated.
Kansas City also must have felt somewhat confident in its current OT trio. 2025 first-rounder Josh Simmons looked promising when on the field as a rookie, veteran Jaylon Moore is still under contract, and undrafted prospect Esa Pole showed signs that he could develop into an adequate swing tackle.
That puts KC in an okay place in 2026. The concern is long-term.
Moore is set to hit the open market again in 2027. The Chiefs could extend him, but many believe they’re already overpaying the career backup at $15 million per year.
Proctor could be a more permanent long-term solution across from Simmons. But his selection would involve some development.
“With his physical traits, Proctor flashes dominance when he plays on time,” Brugler scouted ahead of the NFL draft. “He has the size and movement skills to engulf defenders when in rhythm as a pass blocker. However, he struggles to negotiate space and understand his leverage, which leads to erratic depth points and oversets.”
“It is a similar story in the run game — talent isn’t the issue,” the draft expert continued. “[Proctor] plays heavy-handed and creates good extension, but his body posture and cohesiveness are still developing.”
More Pros & Cons of Chiefs Potentially Targeting Kadyn Proctor in the 2026 NFL Draft
Obviously, Proctor’s size and frame — described by Brugler as “enormous” — is one of his many pros as a prospect.
Proctor also has great mass and body length, not to mention “rare explosiveness” for his size. Brugler listed “lateral range” and “nasty temperament” as two more positives, labeling Proctor an “asset at the goal line.”
He’s also fairly disciplined, and “finished [his] Alabama career making 18 consecutive starts without a holding penalty.”
Proctor’s weaknesses were more technical. Brugler listed the following as potential flaws in the Alabama blocker’s game.
- Inconsistent landmarks and leverage as [a] pass blocker.
- Sets tall and hands have trouble finding surface area on rushers.
- Timing is consistently off between his steps and punch, which invites long-arm moves into his chest.
- Late to recognize spinners or any type of inside move.
- Below-average efficiency on combination blocks.
There was one more relevant “weakness” within Brugler’s scouting report: lack of proven versatility.
Some believe Proctor could play right tackle or guard, but he never did at Alabama or in high school. Proctor is a true left tackle prospect, and his selection could mean Simmons trying out right tackle long-term.
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