Lions can land best fit in 2026 NFL Draft with 6-foot-7 Alabama star

It's usually hard to criticize a pick of an Alabama Crimson Tide star during the NFL Draft.

That could work out nicely if the Detroit Lions go that route in the 2026 edition of the draft.

ESPN's Matt Bowen thinks that's exactly what they should do with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft: He suggests Kadyn Proctor.

Proctor is a 6-foot-7 offensive tackle from 'Bama who could bookend with Penei Sewell on the Lions' offensive line.

"With reports of Penei Sewell potentially moving to the left tackle and replacing Taylor Decker, the Lions could find their new right tackle in Proctor," Bowen writes. "His 2025 tape showed some lapses in pass protection, but he has the strength to shut down power rushers. His ability to displace defenders in the run game would also fit with Detroit's identity. And he's still just 20 years old with 40 starts under his belt."

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Proctor was essentially a reliable piece for Alabama from the beginning of his college career, and he got all sorts of SEC tests to challenge him and help him develop.

He'd come into the NFL as a ready-made starter to help the offense improve and get Detroit back into the playoffs.

It can be hard for a fanbase to get excited about a pick of an offensive lineman. There aren't highlights of them making flashy plays.

But every winning football team has an offensive line it can rely upon, and that's what Detroit needs to be thinking about. The Lions' offense has all the skill it needs. It needs strength and security and solidity.

Proctor would provide what the Lions are looking for, if he makes it to the 17th spot so Detroit can take him.

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