Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
With the 22nd pick, the Los Angeles Chargers drafting Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor in the 2026 NFL Draft represents a continued investment in attempting to protect their franchise, Justin Herbert. While the Chargers already possess one of the league’s best tackle duos (when healthy) in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, the 2025 season exposed a catastrophic lack of insurance when both starters suffered season-ending injuries. Proctor, a massive 6-foot-7, 350-pound “people mover,” offers the rare
athletic profile to either reinforce the interior as a dominant guard or serve as a high-upside swing tackle.
Jim Harbaugh continues to be a coach who will emphasize a running game while attempting to set his quarterback up for success. The pick of Omarion Hampton as well as spending in free agency last year for Mekhi Becton (even though it did not work out) and this year for Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange, and Charlie Kolar continues to show that desire to solidify their running game to help Justin Herbert. Strange may set a floor for production at Guard, but the potential upgrade that Proctor presents can eventually lead to All-Pro consideration. The re-signing of T.J. Penning and Trey Pipkins also set a floor for production at Swing Tackle that Proctor could upgrade immediately.
Harbaugh hired Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator this offseason, doubling down on his desire to have an explosive offense based in the run game. Proctor’s size, athleticism, and strength should help him develop into an elite Guard with already plus pass protection and the traits to dominate in the run game. He has been successful in both zone and gap schemes at Tackle for the Crimson Tide. The hope would be for his continued development in blocking in a zone scheme, even though his massive size does not always project as ideal for this type of scheme. The difference between other large lineman and Proctor is his clear athleticism, which was displayed in the pre-draft process. Proctor has been known to squat over 800 pounds and bench over 500 pounds. A 6’7, 354 lb. prospect with 33 ⅝” arms, Proctor was phenomenal in his testing for his size. He ran a 1.84 10-yard split as well as jumped 32.5”. Not earth shattering numbers in their lonesome, but when considering his size, are exemplary.
Teams need to be able to pass the ball also, and the Chargers ability to protect Herbert was exposed in the playoff loss to the Patriots. The Pats hit Herbert 8 times, including 6 sacks. This has to be a concern for Joe Hortiz, the Chargers’ General Manager, and the long-term success of the franchise.
If Slater and Alt are both healthy, Proctor will have the chance to find a spot replacing Zion Johnson (who left for the Browns) or Becton immediately. While the failed signing of Becton last offseason may have the front office second guessing a larger than life Guard, Proctor has shown the athleticism and durability to become a key cog in their front. It also provides some high upside insurance in-case Slater’s recovery from his patellar tendon injury takes longer than needed or necessitates a move inside.
By selecting Proctor, the Chargers wouldn’t just be drafting a backup; they would be acquiring a huge man capable of securing the franchise’s trenches for a decade, helping to ensure that the Chargers never again fall victim to a lack of depth upfront.
2026 BGN Mock Draft Order
1) Raiders (Mailata_in_a_Miata): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2) Jets (Dr.MidnightGreen): Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
3) Cardinals (grantspectations): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
4) Titans (DrBubbles): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
5) Giants (ablesser88): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
6) Browns (kjb304): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
7) Commanders (Jerry Robinson 56): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
8) Saints (VetStadiumSection358): David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
9) Chiefs (Hoosinole): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10) Bengals (chuckelberryfinn): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
11) Dolphins (phillyfan): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
12) Cowboys (ejdubya): Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
13) Rams (All_Hail_Howie): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
14) Ravens (215T1LL1D1e): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15) Buccaneers (pascofljoe): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
16) Jets (Euegene11): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
17) Lions (BCHaas): Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
18) Vikings (The Player Formerly Known as Mousecop): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
19) Panthers (jaynase): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
20) Cowboys (Cravin’ LeBlanc): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
21) Steelers (iam4theBirdz): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
22) Chargers (Aint1stULast): Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
23) Eagles (Philly21)
24) Browns (FierceDisc65)
25) Bears (jazztafari)
26) Bills (PhillyTexan)
27) 49ers (granthill7)
28) Texans (CrackTheEaglesNut)
29) Chiefs (z)
30) Dolphins (Booth12)
31) Patriots (Niels Rosenquist)
32) Seahawks (J. Wil)
2026 BGN Community Consensus Mock Draft
Now it’s YOUR TURN to vote for who you think should be selected with this pick.
1) Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza
2) Jets: EDGE Arvell Reese
3) Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa
4) Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love
5) Giants: LB Sonny Styles
6) Browns: WR Carnell Tate
7) Commanders: EDGE David Bailey
8) Saints: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
9) Chiefs: S Caleb Downs
10) Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane
11) Dolphins: WR Jordyn Tyson
12) Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy
13) Rams: WR Makai Lemon
14) Ravens: OT Monroe Freeling
15) Buccaneers: TE Kenyon Sadiq
16) Jets: OG Olaivavega Ioane
17) Lions: OT Spencer Fano
18) Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman
19) Panthers: OT Kadyn Proctor
20) Cowboys: EDGE Akheem Mesidor
21) Steelers: EDGE Keldric Faulk
22) Chargers:
