Two Alabama Stars to Attend NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Quarterback Ty Simpson and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor will be among 16 prospects at the event.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the forms of football players and a ball, rendered in bold, angular shapes and a palette of crimson, navy, and gold, capturing the energy and anticipation of the upcoming NFL draft.A cubist interpretation of the anticipation surrounding two Alabama stars' attendance at the upcoming NFL draft in Pittsburgh.Today in Pittsburgh

Former Alabama stars Ty Simpson and Kadyn Proctor will be in attendance at the NFL draft in Pittsburgh later this month along with 14 other top prospects. Simpson, the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback last season, and Proctor, a three-year starter at left tackle, are both viewed as likely first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft.

Why it matters

The NFL draft is one of the most anticipated events in sports, and having two high-profile Alabama players attend the festivities in Pittsburgh highlights the continued success of the Crimson Tide program in producing top NFL talent. Simpson and Proctor's presence at the draft also raises the profile of the event and generates excitement for Alabama fans eager to see their former players take the next step in their professional careers.

The details

Simpson spent one season as Alabama's starting quarterback, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns to just five interceptions, leading the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record and a College Football Playoff win over Oklahoma. Proctor was a three-year starter at left tackle for Alabama, only missing two games during the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury. He protected the blindside of both Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson during their careers as starting quarterbacks for the Crimson Tide.

  • The first round of the NFL draft will start on Thursday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m.

The players

Ty Simpson

A former Alabama quarterback who is viewed as a likely first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Kadyn Proctor

A former Alabama offensive tackle who is also viewed as a likely first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

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The takeaway

The presence of Ty Simpson and Kadyn Proctor at the NFL draft in Pittsburgh highlights Alabama's continued success in producing top-tier NFL talent. As two of the Crimson Tide's most promising prospects, their attendance at the draft will generate excitement among Alabama fans and showcase the program's ability to develop elite players for the professional level.