Miami Dolphins rookie lineman Kadyn Proctor is set to take on the left guard position, but there are some high hopes coming from coaches and players regarding the young protector.
Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor spent most of his collegiate career at tackle with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but he was drafted with the intention that he could be a solid guard.
At 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, Proctor is an oversized guard who can act as a driving force on the left side of the line with left tackle Patrick Paul. Despite being a rookie, Proctor has impressed many coaches and players, who have high hopes for the young player.
When speaking to the media on Friday, Paul spoke about what he has seen from Proctor, revealing the rookie is "big, fast, and confident."
"He's definitely confident. I mean, he's big as ever and um he's fast. He's a great football player and he knows that. Um so yeah, he's definitely confident. That's never going to be a problem for him," Paul said.
Proctor has demonstrated confidence early in training camp, as he aided Paul in creating a 70-yard touchdown run for running back Ollie Gordon II. Granted, the pads have yet to come on, but the rookie is already making himself known.
Paul also stated that Proctor is "playing at full speed" and "he's got it in him."
"He's full speed. I mean, and I think that just comes from, you know, the way he was playing football in college to now. I mean, Alabama, everyone knows Alabama. So, yeah, he's got it in him for sure," Paul said.
The Dolphins are no strangers to using tackles in the guard position and essentially cross-training their linemen. The organization did the same thing with Laremy Tunsil and Austin Jackson, the latter of whom spoke about how it helped him grow as a lineman.
"It definitely gave me a better spatial understanding in the NFL. Um, contact happens really fast at guard, which honestly helped me at tackle a little bit just getting back into space and then able to, how do I say this? A able to utilize the sets I did at guard at tackle. So it kind of work hand in hand," Jackson said.
Proctor now has a chance to grow and learn from some of the best linemen in the NFL. Paul is an ascending talent, while center Aaron Brewer was nominated for Protector of the Year in 2025.
Right guard Jonah Savaiinaea had a rough 2025 season, but his move back to the right side has been prasied by his fellow linemen. Jackson is also a strong tackle when he is healthy, which will be key in 2026.
With a strong unit leading the way, Proctor revealed what he continues to learn from his veteran counterparts.
"We're built for this. We're here for a reason. That's kind of what [teammates have] been telling me. And don't be afraid to mess up. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Just go out there and give it your all. And if you don't have the right assignment, at least get somewhere fast," Proctor said.
Having a strong line is crucial to any team, but will be incredibly important to the Dolphins.
Miami has a young quarterback in Malik Willis taking over under center, and his protection will be of the utmost importance. Willis may not be a "rookie" in the traditional sense, but his lack of starts points to being a pseudo-rookie.
Additionally, the run game was a huge part of the Dolphins' offense in 2025 and figures to be the same in 2026. De'Von Achane secured 1,838 yards and 12 touchdowns from scrimmage, and he can have another huge year with a strong line.
The same can be said for Gordon and Jaylen Wright, both of whom will be integral in giving Achane rests.
With questions still surrounding the wide receiver room, head coach Jeff Hafley may rely heavily on the run as well, making the line be even more important. As it stands, the potential starting five could make some noise in 2026.
