Kaleb Proctor

The Player

Proctor is an undersized, long-armed interior defender and a highly productive one-gap penetrator who had a breakout 2025 season (39 pressures, 13 TFL). His steady year-over-year growth, combined with strong showings against LSU and in the Shrine Bowl, helps validate his production beyond small-school competition concerns.

Athletically, Proctor stands out. He brings an excellent speed-explosion profile for an interior lineman, backed by top-tier combine testing and a high-end RAS. On tape, that translates to disruptive flashes as a pass rusher—he wins with burst, bend, and violent hands, often knifing into the backfield with a relentless, high-energy style. His length (33-inch arms), quick hands, and coordination make him especially effective on stunts and games, where he can cross faces and create immediate pressure.

However, his game is inconsistent. While he has a quick first step, it’s not truly elite, and his biggest issue is pad level—he too often pops up out of his stance, losing leverage and allowing blockers to control or displace him. This shows up particularly against double-teams, where he competes with good effort, strength, and flexibility but can get driven back or knocked off balance when he plays too high.

The Draft

He’s one one of the top small-school prospects in the 2026 draft class. And after Peter Woods (Clemson) and Gracen Halton (Oklahoma), Proctor is our highest-graded 3-technique prospect. He should get drafted in the top 100. 

The Projection

Proctor fits best as a 3-technique in an even front. He has some shades of Kobie Turner (Rams), Osa Odighizuwa (49ers), and 2025 second-rounder Shemar Turner (Bears).  Given the major production spike in 2025 and the small-school level of competition, there’s every reason to believe that Proctor will enter the league as a rotational player, likely seeing more playing time in obvious passing/sub-package situations. But don’t rule out the possibility of Proctor developing into an every-down starter.