Broncos Eye Southeastern Louisiana's Kaleb Proctor in 2026 NFL Draft

Small-school defensive lineman could be a mid-round steal for Denver's pass rush

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:29pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and angles of a defensive lineman's pass rush, using bold, contrasting colors to convey the intensity of the action.A cubist interpretation of a defensive lineman's explosive pass rush, capturing the raw energy and power of Kaleb Proctor's game.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos are targeting Kaleb Proctor, a defensive lineman from Southeastern Louisiana, as a potential mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Proctor, a 6-2, 291-pound pass-rushing specialist, impressed scouts with his athleticism and production against top competition, including standout performances against LSU and at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Why it matters

The Broncos are in need of a new pass-rushing threat after the departure of John Franklin-Myers to the Titans. Proctor's skill set as a third-down specialist could be a perfect fit for Denver's aggressive defensive scheme under coordinator Vance Joseph.

The details

Proctor amassed 134 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks in his college career, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. His elite physical attributes, including a 4.79-second 40-yard dash and a 33-inch vertical jump, have caught the attention of scouts. Proctor's explosive first step, deep arsenal of pass-rushing moves, and violent hand usage make him a nightmare for offensive linemen.

  • Proctor dominated against top-tier competition, including games against LSU and at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching, where the Broncos will look to bolster their pass-rushing unit.

The players

Kaleb Proctor

A 6-2, 291-pound defensive lineman from Southeastern Louisiana who is garnering mid-round draft interest for his pass-rushing prowess.

Vance Joseph

The defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, who could utilize Proctor's speed and agility to create havoc in opposing backfields.

John Franklin-Myers

A former Broncos pass rusher who departed for the Tennessee Titans, leaving a void that the team hopes Proctor can fill.

Nik Bonitto

A Broncos defensive player who could draw attention, allowing Proctor to exploit one-on-one matchups.

Zach Allen

A Broncos defensive player who could draw attention, allowing Proctor to exploit one-on-one matchups.

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What’s next

Analysts have given Proctor a Day 2 grade, indicating he's likely to be selected in the third or early fourth round. The Broncos, currently without a third-round pick, might need to get creative to secure his services.

The takeaway

In the ever-evolving NFL, where pass rushers are a premium, the Broncos could find themselves a hidden gem in Kaleb Proctor, a player who might just be the key to unlocking their defensive potential.