Broncos Eye Southeastern Louisiana's Kaleb Proctor for Pass-Rush Boost

Undersized but athletic defensive lineman could be a mid-round steal for Denver's defense

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a defensive lineman in the midst of a pass-rush, with sharp angles and overlapping planes conveying the raw power and precision of elite-level defensive play.A cubist interpretation of a defensive lineman's explosive pass-rush technique, showcasing the strategic depth and athleticism required to excel at the NFL level.Denver Today

Kaleb Proctor, a 6'2", 291-pound defensive lineman from Southeastern Louisiana, has emerged as an intriguing prospect for the Denver Broncos in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite his smaller frame, Proctor impressed with 134 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks in college, earning an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl. His elite athleticism, including a 4.79-second 40-yard dash and 33-inch vertical, has scouts excited about his potential as a pass-rush specialist to replace the departed John Franklin-Myers.

Why it matters

The Broncos are in need of depth and talent on the defensive line, especially in their pass-rush rotation. Proctor's skill set as a disruptive, speed-based defensive lineman could be a valuable addition to coordinator Vance Joseph's attacking defensive scheme.

The details

Proctor's college production and combine performance have him projected as a mid-round pick, likely in the 3rd or 4th round. While his undersized frame and lack of anchor strength against the run are concerns, his elite first step, range, and pass-rush arsenal make him an intriguing prospect. The Broncos, without a 3rd-round pick, will need to strategize if they want to secure Proctor's services.

  • Proctor had 43 tackles and 9 sacks in his final college season.
  • He earned an invite to the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl in 2026.

The players

Kaleb Proctor

A 6'2", 291-pound defensive lineman from Southeastern Louisiana who impressed with 134 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks in his college career.

John Franklin-Myers

The veteran defensive lineman who signed with the Tennessee Titans, leaving a void in the Broncos' pass-rush rotation that Proctor could potentially fill.

Vance Joseph

The Broncos' defensive coordinator, who runs an attacking defensive scheme that could benefit from Proctor's speed and pass-rush abilities.

Sai'vion Jones

A defensive lineman drafted by the Broncos in 2025, who provides depth but still leaves a need for more talent and pass-rush specialists on the defensive line.

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What’s next

The Broncos will need to strategize to secure Proctor, as they do not have a 3rd-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His potential fit in Vance Joseph's attacking defense makes him an intriguing target, but his weaknesses against the run will need to be addressed.

The takeaway

Proctor's elite athleticism and pass-rush potential make him an enticing mid-round option for the Broncos, who are seeking to bolster their defensive line rotation. While his undersized frame is a concern, his disruptive abilities could make him a valuable specialist in Denver's defense.