Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt has logged a prediction for Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at the upcoming 2026 NFL draft.
In his final mock draft ahead of Round 1 Thursday, Klatt sees Proctor going in the first round at No. 17 overall to the Detroit Lions. A three-year starter at offensive tackle, Proctor played in 985 snaps last season prior to declaring for the draft in early January.
"Former Lions left tackle Taylor Decker was released earlier this offseason, and we know that this is a team that has heavily relied on their offensive line for success in the past. I've been told that Kadyn Proctor won't make it past the Lions at No. 17. The belief has been that right tackle Penei Sewell will move to left tackle in 2026. However, drafting Proctor means the Lions can keep Sewell at the position he has earned three All-Pro nods at, while having Proctor play left tackle."
Joel Klatt has bold prediction for Alabama QB Ty Simpson at NFL Draft📸 Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images https://t.co/DnWmyONfLe pic.twitter.com/Z0nTBRgTAL
The Lions have been no stranger to drafting Alabama players in recent years. The team selected receiver Jameson Williams 12th overall in 2022 and running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in 2023 before drafting safety Brian Branch in the second round that year.
Detroit used its first-round pick (24th overall) on cornerback Terrion Arnold in 2024.
Proctor is one of two Alabama players Klatt sees being selected in the first round of the draft. He predicts the Arizona Cardinals will land quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 26 overall after trading back into the first round.
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft begins at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday from Pittsburgh. Rounds 2-3 will be held starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, with rounds 4-7 on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.
The NFL Draft will be televised on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football OT Kadyn Proctor receives new NFL draft projection