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.
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:
Dolphins’ draft grade for Kadyn Proctor: B-
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.
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. According to a scouting report in The Athletic, he needs to improve discipline and technique.
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 the big man. In a worst-case scenario, Proctor could always land at guard.
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: Dolphins draft grade: Kadyn Proctor pick in first round was surprise
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
