Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Indianapolis—With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine winding down, the Detroit Lions are using every available minute to refine their first-round board, and Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor has emerged as a prime candidate for the No. 17 overall pick.

Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he sat down with Lions representatives during the week-long evaluations, extending a conversation that began when a Detroit scout pulled him aside at January’s East-West Shrine Bowl. The meeting underscores the franchise’s willingness to invest an early selection along the offensive line even after veteran left tackle Taylor Decker announced his return for the 2026 campaign.

A three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Proctor logged 40 career starts and missed only the first two games of the 2024 season while nursing an injury. The 6-foot-7, 366-pound junior dominated SEC competition last fall, earning an 85.9 overall offensive grade from Pro Football Focus—tops among all Alabama players. His pass-blocking mark of 84.2 and run-blocking grade of 81.1 reflect a balanced skill set, and he surrendered just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

Should Detroit keep the 17th selection, Proctor’s rare size, experience, and production could make him an attractive option to fortify the offensive front and provide long-term stability at tackle.