Kadyn Proctor at Pick 23: The Eagles' Answer at Offensive Tackle?
Alabama's Kadyn Proctor flashes dominance and could be Lane Johnson's eventual replacement. Here's why the Eagles should be watching him closely at the Combine.
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Kadyn Proctor at Pick 23: The Eagles' Answer at Offensive Tackle?
The Eagles have the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and if you're looking for a player who fits Philadelphia's identity, start with Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama.
The 20-year-old offensive tackle was viewed as a potential top-10 pick entering the 2025 season. A slow start caused some concern, but Proctor played significantly better during the second half of the year — and the physical tools that made him a blue-chip recruit are still very much there.
The Physical Profile
Proctor flashes dominance when he plays. He's a mauler in the run game — exactly the kind of offensive lineman the Eagles have built their identity around. In a run-dominant offensive scheme like the one Philadelphia runs, he would be an ideal fit.
His willingness to return to the SEC after briefly transferring to Iowa, then playing through a torn labrum all season, tells you about the mental toughness. That's the kind of player who thrives in Philadelphia. Tough, physical, doesn't make excuses.
The Lane Johnson Question
Lane Johnson isn't getting younger. The Eagles need to think about succession planning at offensive tackle, and Proctor represents the kind of long-term investment that keeps the offensive line dominant for another half-decade.
You don't wait until Johnson retires to find his replacement. You draft the guy now, develop him behind one of the best to ever do it, and have a seamless transition when the time comes. That's how smart organizations operate.
What to Watch at the Combine
The Combine will be important for Proctor. Teams want to see how the labrum has healed, whether the athleticism matches the tape, and if the technical refinement has continued since the season ended.
If Proctor tests well and the medical checks out, the Eagles at 23 could be the perfect landing spot. He fits the scheme, he fits the culture, and he fills a long-term need. With picks at 23, 54, and 68, Howie Roseman has the ammunition to address the trenches — and Proctor should be at the top of the board.
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