The Miami Dolphins made a statement in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with the No. 12 overall pick. For a team that desperately needed reinforcements along the offensive line, this move was a slam dunk—and the tape proves it.
Proctor, a standout from the University of Alabama, started 39 games at left tackle for the Crimson Tide. But don't be surprised if you see him lining up at left guard early in his NFL career. Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has already hinted that the plan is to start Proctor on the interior, allowing him to gain valuable experience before eventually transitioning back to tackle. It's a smart, patient approach that could pay huge dividends down the road.
Why the urgency? The Dolphins lost five offensive linemen this offseason, including key veterans James Daniels and Cole Strange. That left a glaring hole at guard that needed immediate attention. Enter Proctor, a player who brings both power and polish to the position.
His college résumé is nothing short of impressive. In 2025, Proctor earned the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC's top offensive lineman and was named a consensus All-American. He also took home First-Team All-SEC honors after earning Second-Team All-SEC recognition the year prior. As a freshman in 2023, he made an immediate impact, earning Freshman All-American honors and a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. He was even a finalist for the Lombardi Award in 2025, cementing his status as one of the nation's elite blockers.
Numbers don't lie, either. This past season, Proctor played 985 snaps and allowed just two sacks and four hits. That kind of consistency is exactly what the Dolphins need to protect quarterback Malik Willis and stabilize the offensive line.
So, what can Dolphins fans expect? A day-one starter with a mean streak, a high football IQ, and the versatility to grow into a cornerstone of the franchise. Whether he's clearing lanes in the run game or holding the pocket in pass protection, Proctor looks ready to make an immediate impact.
Here's a look at some of his best highlights from Alabama—trust us, you'll want to see what the future of Miami's offensive line looks like.