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Browns must avoid boom-or-bust OT in 2026 NFL Draft
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- Browns must avoid boom-or-bust OT in 2026 NFL Draft
As the Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry begin to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, the struggling franchise could be in a perfect position to add a new group of young playmakers to the roster prior to the upcoming season.
While it remains unclear as to what the Browns' potential plans could be in the first round of this year's draft, the offensive line continues to be a massive need for Cleveland. Berry did an excellent job during the 2026 NFL Free Agency period of signing multiple veterans up front, including Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins . However, the left tackle position has yet to be addressed this offseason, with former 2023 fourth-round pick Dawand Jones currently slated to be the starter.
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Luckily for the front office, there are plenty of offensive tackles within the first round of the 2026 draft class , which means Berry could use one of his two picks in the top-32 on a starting left tackle. However, in order to find a franchise cornerstone on the offensive line, the Browns must avoid taking a shot on Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor.
Why Proctor Does Not Fit With Browns in 2026 and Beyond
As a former highly-touted high school prospect, Proctor has been on the radar of many NFL teams since he stepped foot in Tuscaloosa. Standing at 6-foot-6, 352 lbs., the big-time offensive lineman demonstrated his incredible athleticism and strength throughout his three seasons with the Crimson Tide.
Still, there are enough concerns surrounding Proctor's game that could impact his development at the NFL level. His combination of size and quickness off the line of scrimmage is a strong baseline as a rookie, but the countless reps of him struggling against some of his peers in the upcoming draft towards the end of the season raise many red flags.
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When matched up against Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas in the 2025 College Football Playoffs, Proctor was consistently burned by Thomas' speed off the line of scrimmage. In addition to his issues against speedy pass rushers, Proctor would struggle at times to block a strong bull rush, which was partly due to his stiffness in his lower body.
If the Browns were looking for a project at the left tackle position, there is a case for Proctor to be the pick in round one. But similar to players like Mekhi Becton and Evan Neal , Proctor is suited to kick inside and be a guard in the NFL, rather than a franchise left tackle. Instead of using either pick No. 6 or 24 on the Alabama lineman, Berry must look elsewhere within the draft, with Georgia's Monroe Freeling and Utah's Caleb Lomu being better options for Cleveland in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns must avoid boom-or-bust OT in 2026 NFL Draft
