Detroit Lions Reportedly Eyeing Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor with Top Draft Pick

Analysts say the Lions are high on the talented but inconsistent tackle prospect despite weight concerns.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:04pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the blocking motion of a football player, with sharp planes of navy blue, silver, and crimson red, conceptually representing the Detroit Lions' evaluation of top offensive tackle prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.A cubist interpretation of an offensive lineman's blocking technique highlights the Detroit Lions' interest in drafting a top tackle prospect.Today in Detroit

There are growing indications that the Detroit Lions are strongly considering selecting Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with their first-round pick, the 17th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL Draft analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Peter Schrager have both reported that the Lions 'love' Proctor and view him as a top target, despite concerns about his weight and technique.

Why it matters

The Lions have a long-term need at offensive tackle, and Proctor is viewed as having one of the highest ceilings of any tackle prospect in this year's draft class. However, Proctor's weight issues and inconsistent play at Alabama raise questions about his readiness for the NFL. The Lions' decision on whether to take Proctor could have major implications for the future of their offensive line.

The details

Proctor, who measured in at 390 pounds early last season before slimming down to the 350s, is considered a potential top-five pick because of his rare size and athleticism. But his weight struggles and technical deficiencies have also led to concerns about his NFL readiness. According to Jeremiah, the Lions view Proctor as an 'absolute floor' pick at No. 17 overall, meaning they are highly unlikely to let him slip past them in the draft.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.
  • Proctor weighed 390 pounds early in the 2025 college football season at Alabama.

The players

Kadyn Proctor

A highly touted offensive tackle prospect from the University of Alabama who is projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft despite concerns about his weight and technique.

Daniel Jeremiah

A prominent NFL Draft analyst who has reported that the Detroit Lions 'love' Proctor and view him as a top target with the 17th overall pick.

Peter Schrager

An NFL insider who collaborated with Jeremiah on a recent mock draft that had the Lions selecting Proctor at No. 17 overall.

Detroit Lions

The NFL franchise based in Detroit, Michigan that holds the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is reportedly highly interested in selecting offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.

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What they’re saying

“He will not get by the Detroit Lions. So, there you go. I love it when we're getting the same stuff.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Analyst

“We know our stuff. Let everyone else put Kadyn Proctor in the 20's and 30's. Kadyn Proctor to the Lions at 17.”

— Peter Schrager, NFL Insider

“He's got great feet. He showed up last year at 390 pounds and didn't play well early in the year, and then was able to get back into the 350's and played well as the season went along.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Lions will have to weigh Proctor's immense potential against the risks of his weight and technique issues when they make their selection at No. 17 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24-26.

The takeaway

Kadyn Proctor's combination of size, athleticism and upside make him an enticing prospect for the Lions, but his inconsistent play and weight struggles at Alabama raise legitimate concerns about his readiness for the NFL. The Lions' decision on whether to take Proctor could be a pivotal one for the future of their offensive line.