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ESPN analyst names Alabama player with ‘long shot’ chance of being No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft

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Kadyn Proctor was a 5-star recruit and the No. 5 player in the country when he signed with Alabama out of the 2023 recruiting class. After seeing the field right away, he was an SEC All-Freshman selection before being named second-team All-SEC as a sophomore in 2024.

Entering 2025, Proctor will be viewed as one of the top offensive linemen in the country, though not without his flaws. Can he overcome them and potentially work his way into the conversation as a No. 1 pick?

ESPN’s Jordan Reid thinks it’s not impossible, but deemed it a long shot (specifically a 1 percent chance) as he looked at 14 draft-eligible players who could hear their names called first in the spring.

Here’s what Reid said about Proctor:

Proctor has the size (6-7, 360 pounds) to go very high in the draft, and his best tape is one of a top-10 pick. But he’s a polarizing prospect because of his inconsistent play.

At his best, he has the power and pop in his hands to quickly overwhelm rushers at the point of attack. He’s forceful in the run game and generates movement with ease. His pass protection is where he needs improvement, as there are hot and cold spurts in Proctor’s play. Scouts want to see him play to his potential more as a pass blocker. If he does, he could be the first blocker off the board.

Proctor was part of an offensive line that allowed just 24 sacks in 2024, though it was 48th in the country in rushing yards allowed. Heading into 2025, though, it’s not unreasonable to expect him to iron out his wrinkles and improve his already-high draft stock.

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.