Southeastern Louisiana DL Kaleb Proctor Brings Upside to 2026 NFL Draft

Proctor developed into a consistent interior presence and multi-year starter for the Lions.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Southeastern Louisiana defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor is an intriguing prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6-3, 280-pound interior defender emerged as a consistent presence and disruptive force for the Lions over the past four seasons, capping his college career with a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him record 9 sacks and 39 total pressures.

Why it matters

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have consistently built through the trenches under general manager Jason Licht, and Todd Bowles' defense operates at its best when interior defenders can anchor against the run while still collapsing the pocket on passing downs. Proctor could profile as a developmental rotational piece who could compete for snaps as an interior disruptor in Bowles' pressure-heavy scheme.

The details

Proctor entered college as an All-State linebacker at Oak Grove High School before transitioning to the defensive line at Southeastern Louisiana. He developed into a consistent interior presence and multi-year starter, earning second-team All-Southland Conference honors in 2024 after posting 49 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. In 2025, Proctor elevated his play across the board, producing his most complete and disruptive season with 9 sacks and 39 total pressures.

  • Proctor played in 12 games in 2022 before stepping into a larger role in 2023 with 10 starts.
  • His breakout campaign came in 2024 when he earned second-team All-Southland Conference honors.
  • In 2025, Proctor produced his most complete and disruptive season, anchoring the interior for Southeastern Louisiana.

The players

Kaleb Proctor

A 6-3, 280-pound defensive lineman who developed into a consistent interior presence and multi-year starter for Southeastern Louisiana.

Jason Licht

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has consistently built through the trenches.

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose defense operates at its best when interior defenders can anchor against the run while still collapsing the pocket on passing downs.

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The takeaway

Kaleb Proctor's steady development and 2025 production jump suggest a player trending upward, and he could be an intriguing late-round or priority free agent target for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they look to add rotational depth and upside to their defensive line.