Joel Klatt has NFL Draft prediction for Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor

Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt has logged a prediction for Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at the upcoming 2026 NFL draft.

In his final mock draft ahead of Round 1 Thursday, Klatt sees Proctor going in the first round at No. 17 overall to the Detroit Lions. A three-year starter at offensive tackle, Proctor played in 985 snaps last season prior to declaring for the draft in early January.

Klatt said of Proctor:

"Former Lions left tackle Taylor Decker was released earlier this offseason, and we know that this is a team that has heavily relied on their offensive line for success in the past. I've been told that Kadyn Proctor won't make it past the Lions at No. 17. The belief has been that right tackle Penei Sewell will move to left tackle in 2026. However, drafting Proctor means the Lions can keep Sewell at the position he has earned three All-Pro nods at, while having Proctor play left tackle."

The Lions have been no stranger to drafting Alabama players in recent years. The team selected receiver Jameson Williams 12th overall in 2022 and running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in 2023 before drafting safety Brian Branch in the second round that year.