Kadyn Proctor is the latest member of the Dolphins’ draft class to sign his rookie deal. The first-rounder is officially on the books, per a team announcement.
Proctor was the target of widespread interest leading up to the draft, with the Lions viewed as his floor at pick No. 17. Detroit showed a desire to move up to the 14th spot via a trade with the Ravens, but negotiations on that front stopped once it became clear Proctor was no longer available. The Alabama product ultimately went at No. 12.
That pick represented the first of 13 made over the course of the draft by new Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. A full-scale rebuild is in its early stages, and making an early investment along the offensive line came as little surprise when Miami was first on the clock. Proctor played as a tackle in college, but his NFL career will begin at guard. As a result, 2024 second-rounder Patrick Paul will continue to operate on the blindside.
A shift to tackle may be in store later in his Miami tenure, but for now Proctor will prepare for a starting gig at left guard. That position was manned last season by Jonah Savaiinaea, who will slide to right guard in 2026. Savaiinaea struggled mightily during his rookie campaign, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in training camp under Jeff Hafley and a new coaching staff.
Miami lost Cole Strange in free agency but signed veteran Jamaree Salyer this spring. The team also selected DJ Campbell in the sixth round of the draft. Both of them could be candidates to take over the starting gig at right guard in particular depending on how padded practices and the preseason play out. In any event, Proctor’s unique combination of size and athleticism will lead to high expectations right away upon entry to the NFL. He will be counted on to serve as a mainstay along the Dolphins’ O-line in 2026 and beyond.
Given today’s news, 11 members of Miami’s draft class are now under contract. Only first-round cornerback Chris Johnson and sixth-round tight end Seydou Traore are unsigned at this point.