The Miami Dolphins took Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with their first of two picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, and while he spent his entire time with the Crimson Tide playing left tackle, he’s sliding inside to left guard for now.
This means that Proctor is not only adjusting to the differences between college and the NFL, but he’s also learning the ropes at a completely new position that he’s expected to start at and succeed at as a rookie.
We’re still early in camp, but Proctor has already realized the adjustments that he needs to make to be a successful guard in this league, which is a great first step in his transition and development.
“I would say everything’s a little closer, so I got to get my hands up, get ready to go,” Proctor told reporters at his media availability on Friday. “I was a big clamper in college. I’m a big guy. Kind of letting guys – I wasn’t too scared to let somebody get their hands on me because if I had my power hand, my right hand, and I got left hand outside on the shoulder tip, then that’s kind of how I won my past pro reps, but now it’s like, hey, I got to get a strike off. I got to get a strike off because everything’s happening way quicker in there.”
Proctor had some success on Day 3 of camp, but he was beaten by defensive lineman and perennial team captain Zach Sieler for a would-be sack. While it was a tough rep to end practice on, he’s using that as a learning moment as well.
“Just got to stay engaged. That’s the biggest thing,” Proctor said. “They dialed it up pretty well, the defense did, and they won the competition, but that’s all it’s about – competition, having fun going out there. We can learn from that play. We’ll get to it in the film room.”
One of the best things about Proctor so far has been his mentality. For instance, he already knows that he needs to push the older guys to be the best version of themselves.
“I feel like [the move to guard] has been pretty good,” Proctor stated. “I feel like I’ve been taking it very seriously. I’m out there. We’re competing every day, and if I’m not doing my one-eleventh, then nobody’s going to get better. Like I got to push Sieler, too, even though I’m 21 years old, young or whatever, like I still have to push him. He has to get better, too. So I got to raise my level of play.”
The 21-year-old’s transition to guard this year will be a huge indicator of the success of Miami’s offense. If Proctor and 2025 second-round pick Jonah Savaiinaea can fit in at left and right guard, the offensive line could be great, which would greatly benefit Malik Willis and the running backs.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins top pick reveals biggest adjustment early in training camp
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire | USA TODAY Network
