MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins rookie offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor had just completed his first minicamp practice.
“Oh, man. I loved it,” Proctor said of suiting up and practicing for the first time as a pro on May 8. “I’m not going to lie. I’m overly happy. I had a good day. I had some good preparation. It’s hot out here, but I hydrated pretty well, so I feel really good. Heart wasn’t beating too fast, so that’s definitely a good sign of getting acclimated to it. But I feel so good, honestly, especially in my number, man. Got my number, too.”
Proctor will wear No. 74, his college number at Alabama. And to start off with, he’ll be a left guard. Moving to right tackle in the future is certainly a possibility, too.
“I can play anywhere, you know, and it’s first day of practice,” Proctor said. “I don’t know where I’m going to play in September. So really just kind of coming in here, taking it day by day and and doing whatever I’m asked to.”
When was the last time Proctor played guard?
“Practice, freshman year, probably, of college, probably,” Proctor said.
The Dolphins once also used a first-round pick on Laremy Tunsil, who spent his first season playing primarily guard, before moving to tackle.
Miami Dolphins open rookie minicamp with Kadyn Proctor leading
“I mean, I’m just a powerful guy,” Proctor said. “I’m quick off the ball, so the guards are more of the post players, and they got to get the double team started. So that’s just kind of what I pride myself on, getting it started. So the center and the tackle can come in and clean up. So we’re just focusing on that power and the speed off the ball.”
The combination of gigantic Proctor and enormous left tackle Patrick Paul is exciting.
Proctor is 6-foot-7, 352 pounds. Paul is 6-foot-7, 326 pounds.
The Dolphins have said they targeted Proctor with the 11th pick all along. (Miami was able to move down one spot to 12 and select Proctor).
“I mean, it’s definitely such a blessing, being the team’s first pick,” Proctor said. “They have that trust in me to go out there and lead. And that’s all I’m trying to do, just trying to be open to my teammates, kick it with them. Because all in all, the communication is key to our success.”
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins rookie Kadyn Proctor reveals feelings on guard plan
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
