Alabama NFL Combine Star Emerges as Top Option to Protect Jared Goff

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. projects Alabama's Kadyn Proctor as the ideal left tackle pick for the Detroit Lions in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:19pm

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The Detroit Lions have a hole at left tackle after parting ways with veteran Taylor Decker, and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes Alabama's Kadyn Proctor could be the perfect replacement to protect quarterback Jared Goff. Proctor impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with his athleticism for a 352-pound blocker, and Kiper projects him as a first-round pick who could step in as a Week 1 starter for the Lions.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to build around Jared Goff and get back to the playoffs, so finding a reliable left tackle to anchor the offensive line is crucial. Proctor's combination of size and athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect who could develop into a long-term solution at a critical position.

The details

Kiper mocked Proctor to the Lions with the 18th overall pick, citing his 40 starts of experience at Alabama and ability to "take away opponent pass-rush moves" despite his massive 6-foot-7, 352-pound frame. The Lions signed veteran Larry Borom in free agency, but Proctor would project as the Week 1 starter at left tackle if drafted by Detroit.

  • The Lions traded running back David Montgomery and parted ways with veteran left tackle Taylor Decker just before the start of free agency.
  • Kiper released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft on March 17, 2026, following the first week of free agency.

The players

Kadyn Proctor

A 352-pound offensive tackle from the University of Alabama who impressed at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine with his athleticism, including a 32-inch vertical jump.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions who is looking to bounce back and lead the team to the playoffs.

Mel Kiper Jr.

A prominent ESPN NFL draft analyst who released a new 2026 mock draft projecting Kadyn Proctor to the Detroit Lions.

Taylor Decker

The veteran left tackle who was recently released by the Detroit Lions, creating a need at the position.

Larry Borom

A veteran offensive lineman signed by the Detroit Lions in free agency, but Proctor would be expected to beat him out as the starting left tackle if drafted by the team.

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What they’re saying

“The Lions entered free agency with a Taylor Decker-sized hole at left tackle after the veteran asked for his release. They signed Larry Borom, but they shouldn't stop there. Proctor's play was a little uneven last season, but I think he can stick at left tackle in the NFL and could help keep Jared Goff upright as Detroit tries to get back to the playoffs.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL Draft Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lions will evaluate their options at left tackle leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with Kadyn Proctor emerging as a potential first-round target to protect quarterback Jared Goff.

The takeaway

Finding a reliable left tackle to anchor the offensive line is a top priority for the Detroit Lions this offseason, and Alabama's Kadyn Proctor could be the ideal solution with his impressive combination of size and athleticism. Drafting Proctor would give the Lions a potential long-term answer at a critical position as they look to build around Jared Goff and return to the playoffs.