PITTSBURGH — The Miami Dolphins selected Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with the 12th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night after trading down one spot with the Dallas Cowboys.
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Proctor, 20, is 6-foot-7 and 359 pounds and is expected to compete for the right tackle spot currently held by Austin Jackson. He said he’s ready to contribute wherever needed.
“I feel comfortable playing anywhere. Wherever coach needs me to play, I’ll be there,” Proctor said during a Zoom call with reporters.
Proctor said he quickly connected with Miami’s staff.
“We hit it off right away and I liked the coaching staff right away,” he said.
Known for his size and physicality, Proctor emphasized his approach in the run game and what it means to block for Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane.
“Physicality, running the s— out of the ball. It feels good blocking for a guy that has grit and toughness,” Proctor said. “He’s going to make plays.”
Proctor is Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley’s first draft selection with the team.
Miami received the No. 12 overall pick, along with picks No. 177 and No. 180 in the fifth round, in the trade with Dallas.
The Cowboys selected Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs with the 11th pick.
Proctor said the moment was emotional as he looks ahead to joining the organization.
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“I go out there and try to handle my business,” he said. “Tears flowing down my face, I’m ready to get down there and build a great bond.”
He added that he feels confident in multiple blocking schemes, including zone, and is eager to get on the field.
Proctor also acknowledged his past weight — once reaching 400 pounds while at Alabama under coach Nick Saban — but said he has a plan in place to maintain his conditioning and perform at a high level.
The Dolphins also traded to pick 27 with the San Francisco 49ers in the first round and selected San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson.
As of Thursday, the Dolphins’ draft capital includes:
• Round 1, pick 12: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor
• Round 1, pick 27: San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson (Trade with San Francisco)
• Round 2: No. 43
• Round 3: Nos. 75, 87, 94
• Round 4: Nos. 130, 138
• Round 5: Nos. 151, 177 (Dallas), 180 (Dallas)
• Round 7: Nos. 227, 238
Miami traded its sixth-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for tight end Darren Waller.
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