Ryan Poles’ Alabama Visit Signals Bears' Interest in Kadyn Proctor
Ryan Poles attended Alabama’s pro day, putting OT Kadyn Proctor in focus as the Bears evaluate offensive line help for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and assistant GM Jeff King didn't go to Alabama’s pro day on Wednesday to blend in.
In fact, Poles was the only NFL general manager who attended.
The Bears went there with a purpose, and if you’re reading the tea leaves, one name stands out above the rest.
Why This Trip Points to the Bears' Offensive Line
This offseason has made one thing clear: the Bears are not settled up front.
The unexpected retirement of Drew Dalman and the ripple effects across the offensive line forced Chicago into short-term fixes. Trading for Garrett Bradbury stabilized things, but it didn’t solve the long-term issue. Combined with Ozzy Trapilo's late-season knee injury, the Bears will be forced into another new-look O-line in 2026.
That’s why Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor becomes the name to watch.
Kadyn Proctor Is the Kind of Prospect Poles Targets
Proctor isn’t just another offensive line prospect. He’s exactly the type Poles has historically valued.
At roughly 6-foot-7 and over 350 pounds, Proctor has rare size even by NFL standards. But what makes him a legitimate first-round candidate isn’t just his frame; it’s how he moves at that size.
During the 2025 season, Proctor anchored Alabama’s offensive line against SEC competition, facing NFL-caliber edge rushers on a weekly basis. His length, power, and ability to recover in pass protection have kept him firmly in the first-round conversation.
The Bears re-signed Braxton Jones in free agency, and he'll serve as a nice bridge player with upside at left tackle until 2025 second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo is healthy enough to fight for his job back.
But I expect Chicago to target left tackle early in the 2026 NFL Draft, with their first-round pick a potential option.
That's where Proctor comes in.
What the Combine and Tape Say About Proctor
Proctor’s evaluation isn’t just hype because he's a really big dude. He has some fantastic traits:
- Elite size and wingspan for the position
- Experience against top-tier SEC pass rushers
- Power in the run game that translates immediately
- Still developing technically, with room to improve
That last point is important. He’s not a finished product. But for a team like the Bears, that may not be a dealbreaker. Chicago is building for sustained success, not just immediate returns, and Proctor’s ceiling is what makes him so appealing. It's also why bringing Jones back was important. He can hold down the starting job until a player like Proctor gets his NFL legs under him.
Other Alabama Prospects Worth Monitoring
While Proctor is the clearest fit, he’s not the only Alabama player who aligns with Chicago’s needs.
LT Overton
Overton brings size and versatility along the defensive front. The Bears still need more consistency in both their pass rush and run defense, and adding length and power up front has been a recurring theme under Poles.
Deontae Lawson
Lawson is a physical, downhill linebacker who fits the mold of a traditional MIKE. With turnover at the position this offseason, Chicago could still look for long-term depth and competition alongside Devin Bush.
Germie Bernard
After trading D.J. Moore, the Bears need to keep adding to the receiver room. Bernard offers speed and route-running ability that could make him a mid-round option to grow with Williams.
What This Means for the Chicago Bears’ 2026 Draft Strategy
With multiple picks inside the top 100, the Bears have real NFL Draft flexibility. But when the GM and assistant GM are both on the ground at a specific pro day, it usually means they’re doing final work on players who could be in play early.
And right now, the Bears’ biggest long-term question is still in front of their quarterback.
If Chicago is serious about building around Caleb Williams, investing in a player like Kadyn Proctor wouldn’t just make sense; it would be a smart pick.
The Bottom Line
Free agency gave the Chicago Bears stability. The NFL draft is where they'll find a long-term, impact player.
And if this trip to Alabama means what it usually means, the Bears may already be zeroing in on Proctor as that guy.
