When it comes to the NFL draft process, when information is conveyed or leaked is almost as important as what actually happens at college Pro Days. Often, early information shortly after the NFL combine and around each Pro Day seems to be more accurate than anything that stirs up in the last two weeks leading up to each NFL draft.
For the 2026 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns are in need of a left tackle, it seems, as well as a lead wide receiver. With two first-round picks this year, the Browns might
be able to fill both needs.
OT Kadyn Proctor has rarely seen his name mentioned as an option for Cleveland’s top pick in the draft. If Proctor was mock drafted to the Browns, it was often with the latter first-round pick, with a wide receiver selected with the earlier selection. Proctor is ranked 21st overall on the Consensus Big Board, and the fourth highest behind Francis Mauigoa, Monroe Freeling, and Spencer Fano.
Very few NFL mock drafts have Proctor being selected in the Top 15, but ESPN’s Field Yates noted that the massive offensive tackle was impressive at his Pro Day:
Foot speed has been a concern for Proctor’s ability to protect the blindside regularly, so those movement skill drills were vital. As was his ability to keep his weight down throughout the draft process:
In what ended up being interesting timing, I had someone today tell me to assume Proctor was Cleveland’s top pick until I heard otherwise. This was not someone who believes Proctor deserves to be selected with the sixth overall pick, however:
I understand the rationale even if I vehemently disagree with it. He’s not better than Jedrick Wills as a prospect, though he does at least seem to care
They noted that the Browns could get lucky with a trade down while still getting Proctor, as there are a couple of players that teams do not want to miss out on but that wouldn’t fit a Cleveland need.
Shortly after, ESPN Cleveland noted that Yates also had a similar thought about Proctor to the Browns:
We always discourage “helmet scouting” (judging a player based on a former player at the same position from the same school), but Cleveland fans have some draft trauma from the selection of Wills out of Alabama back in 2020. The comment under the ESPN Cleveland post indicates those feelings are very strong.
NFL teams are always enamoured with size and athleticism. Proctor has the size and, at a more reasonable rate, has the athleticism that HC Todd Monken and OL coach George Warhop may love:
According to Jeff Risdon, the Browns would not be alone in thinking higher of Proctor than the media and fans:
Both teams view Proctor as someone they expect will be selected in the first “15 or so picks,” to quote one. The area scout revealed that his team very strongly believes that Proctor will be a top-10 pick. After noting my flabbergasted reaction, he reminded me that NFL coaches–even more than scouts and front offices–covet size. And the 6-foot-7, 352-pound Proctor certainly has that…
As noted, when information comes and who it comes from is always important. Different sources have now noted that Proctor has a much higher value in NFL spheres than elsewhere.
How would you feel about Proctor being the Browns pick at #6? Where would you feel comfortable trading back to and still being able to get him?
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