Kaleb Proctor Scouting Report | SE Louisiana DT | 2026 NFL Draft

Player Snapshot

School: Southeastern Louisiana
Position: Defensive Tackle (3-Tech / 4i)
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 280 lbs
Class: Senior
Hometown: Oak Grove, Louisiana

Kaleb Proctor is an explosive, penetrating interior defensive lineman with strong pass-rush production, high-end motor, and disruptive quickness for the position. A standout FCS defender who consistently generated backfield impact, Proctor projects as an upfield 3-technique defensive tackle rather than a traditional nose tackle. His evaluation is built on burst, interior penetration, and pass-rush upside rather than mass or space-eating anchor traits.

Player Background & Production

Proctor developed into one of the most productive defensive linemen at the FCS level while playing for Southeastern Louisiana, operating primarily as an interior disruptor rather than a two-gapping nose tackle. Over his career, he logged consistent backfield production and became a focal point of the Lions’ defensive front as a senior.

Entering the 2026 draft cycle, he drew increased attention from scouts after a highly productive final season that included strong sack and tackles-for-loss output from an interior alignment, an uncommon level of disruption for a sub-300-pound defensive tackle. His performance against varied competition and steady snap volume helped solidify his profile as a small-school riser with legitimate NFL penetration traits.

He also earned an invitation to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, reinforcing his status as one of the more notable FCS defensive line prospects in the class.

Strengths

First-Step Burst & Penetration: Proctor’s game is built on quick get-off and interior disruption. He consistently shoots gaps and creates backfield pressure before offensive linemen can fully anchor.

Pass-Rush Upside from the Interior: He shows natural ability as an interior rusher, using quickness, leverage, and hand activity to generate pressure rather than relying solely on power. His production profile reflects real interior pass-rush impact.

Motor & Competitive Effort: Proctor plays with a relentless motor and stays active throughout the rep. He consistently pursues the football and works through contact, which shows up in extended plays and second-effort pressures.

Athleticism for Size: He moves well laterally and shows above-average mobility for an interior defensive lineman. His agility allows him to stunt, redirect, and chase plays outside the tackle box.

Leverage & Pad Level: With a compact build, he naturally plays with good leverage and can slip under taller interior linemen to win positioning early in reps.

Disruption vs. Single Blocks: When left one-on-one, he flashes the ability to win quickly with burst and hand usage, making him an effective interior mismatch against slower guards.

Areas for Improvement

Play Strength & Anchor: At under 300 pounds, Proctor is lighter than many NFL interior defensive tackles. Stronger interior offensive linemen can move him off his spot in double-team situations.

Consistency vs. Power Run Schemes: He is more effective as a penetrator than a space-holder. Downhill rushing attacks and double teams can limit his impact if he is forced into a pure anchor role.

Level of Competition: Coming from the FCS level, he faced fewer NFL-caliber offensive linemen on a weekly basis. The transition to NFL interior line strength and technique will require adjustment.

Block Shedding in Tight Quarters: While quick, he can struggle to disengage once larger guards get fully into his frame. Improving hand precision and counter strength will be important at the next level.

Role Specificity: He projects best in a penetrating front rather than a two-gapping system, which may limit scheme versatility compared to heavier interior prospects.

Medical History & Durability: No major publicly documented injuries or illnesses impacting multi-season availability. He maintained consistent participation and production throughout his collegiate career.

Film Traits & Measurables

• Physical Frame: Compact 3-technique build with good leverage and interior quickness
• Athletic Profile: Explosive first step with strong short-area burst and lateral mobility
• Alignment Usage: Primarily 3-technique and 4i interior defensive line roles
• Play Style: Penetrating, high-motor interior disruptor built on quickness and backfield pressure
• Pre-Draft Testing: 4.79 40-yard dash; 6-2, 291 lbs, 33” arms, 9½” hands (2026 NFL Scouting Combine)

Draft Projection & NFL Fit

Proctor projects as a Day 3 selection, most commonly in the Round 4 range, with upside as a rotational penetrating defensive tackle. His combine performance and interior athletic profile have helped elevate his stock as a potential value pick among FCS prospects.

He fits best in attacking defensive fronts that prioritize interior penetration, such as 4-3 schemes that deploy quick 3-techniques rather than heavy nose tackles. Early in his career, he profiles as a rotational interior pass-rush specialist who can contribute in sub-packages and obvious passing downs while developing his strength against NFL-level interior linemen.

Summary

Kaleb Proctor is an explosive, penetrating interior defensive lineman whose first-step quickness, motor, and pass-rush production define his NFL projection. He wins with burst, leverage, and disruption rather than elite mass or anchor strength, making him best suited for a 3-technique role in an attacking front. While his lighter frame, FCS competition level, and anchor consistency create some projection questions, his interior athleticism, backfield production, and strong combine showing provide a clear developmental pathway as a rotational NFL defensive tackle with situational pass-rush value.

More Reports:

• Texas A&M DT Albert Regis
• Michigan DT Rayshaun Benny
• Penn State DL Zane Durant