The Miami Dolphins selected offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, surprising many analysts. They also acquired two fifth-round picks by trading down one spot with the Cowboys.
Key points
Miami Dolphins selected Kadyn Proctor with the 12th overall pick
Proctor is an offensive lineman from Alabama
Dolphins traded down with the Cowboys for two fifth-round picks
Other appealing options were drafted ahead of Miami
MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins selected offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor of Alabama with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Miami picked up two fifth-rounders by moving down one pick in a deal with the Cowboys, who drafted safety Caleb Downs.
Miami had some bad luck as drafted ahead of them were CB Mansoor Delane, OL Francis Mauigoa and OL Spencer Fano, all appealing options.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Q&A
Why did the Miami Dolphins draft Kadyn Proctor in the first round?
The Dolphins drafted Kadyn Proctor to strengthen their offensive line, despite other appealing options being available.
What trade did the Dolphins make during the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Dolphins traded down one pick with the Cowboys, acquiring two fifth-round picks in the process.
Who were the other players the Dolphins could have drafted instead of Proctor?
The Dolphins could have selected CB Mansoor Delane, OL Francis Mauigoa, or OL Spencer Fano, all of whom were drafted ahead of them.
What position does Kadyn Proctor play?
Kadyn Proctor plays as an offensive lineman.
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Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) rushes the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) and offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) catches a short pass and runs the ball during the game with Eastern Illinois at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Apr 22, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor during the NFL Draft prospects clinic at Hazelwood Green Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Parker Brailsford blocks against fellow lineman Kadyn Proctor during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs a drill for scouts during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs a drill for scouts during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) at the vertical jump station during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
3 / 13
Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
4 / 13
Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) rushes the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
5 / 13
Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) and offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
6 / 13
Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) catches a short pass and runs the ball during the game with Eastern Illinois at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
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Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Apr 22, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor during the NFL Draft prospects clinic at Hazelwood Green Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Parker Brailsford blocks against fellow lineman Kadyn Proctor during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
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Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs a drill for scouts during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
10 / 13
Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs a drill for scouts during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
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Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
12 / 13
Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) at the vertical jump station during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Photos of Kadyn Proctor, Miami Dolphins' first-round NFL draft pick
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Miami passed on players such as edge Rueben Bain of Miami, receiver Makai Lemon of USC and guard Vega Ione of Penn State.
Here is our instant grade on the Dolphins picking Kadyn Proctor:
The Dolphins did well in picking up two fifth-rounders to move down a spot in a trade with Dallas.
They will hope that safety Caleb Downs does not become a perennial All Pro with the Cowboys. But safety is not a premium position.
Miami really wanted to add size and power in the trenches.
Proctor is 6-foot-6, 352 pounds. He is a massive and powerful man. And he has very good athleticism for such a big person.
Proctor can play right tackle or right guard, with Austin Jackson potentially playing the other.
Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet.
Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet.
ESPN's Mel Kiper suggested Proctor has a high ceiling but has not reached his potential yet due in part to lapses of concentration.
ESPN's Booger McFarland said the Dolphins will have to monitor his weight.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah ranked Proctor as the 24th-best player in the draft. Jeremiah says Proctor has the most upside of any blocker in the draft.
Some will suggest Proctor was a bit of a reach at No. 12 overall. Picking up two fifth-rounders to move down one spot offsets that a bit.
Proctor will need to improve his consistency at the next level.
A massive potential tackle combination of Patrick Paul and Proctor is promising. It will be on Miami's coaches to get the best out of big man. In a worst-case scenario, Proctor could always land at guard.
