The New England Patriots' playoff run finally ended in the Super Bowl after a 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. While the final score showed a delta of just two possessions, the deficit felt far greater. The New England offense was almost completely unable to move the ball, with their drives totaling just 78 yards through the first three quarters.
A major reason for New England's ineffectiveness was the pressure Seattle was putting on Drake Maye. He was pressured 25 times and sacked six times, bringing his postseason total to 21. That's the most sacks taken during a playoff run ever, even more than Joe Burrow in 2020.
New England desperately needs to improve their offensive line. The unit's ceiling is there, but a pair of rookies starting on the left side this season has lowered its floor. Free agency will be a time to raise that floor, but the draft could still help supplement the line.
In a recent mock draft, The Athletic's Chad Graff suggested the Patriots could select Alabama's Kadyn Proctor with the No. 31 pick in the NFL Draft to do just that.
Kadyn Proctor could be the perfect addition to the Patriots' offensive line
The Patriots' offensive line needs to improve, and Proctor has all the potential in the world to help them do just that. The starting left tackle for the last three seasons, Proctor, was far from elite when he began his career with the Crimson Tide.
He allowed 10 sacks and a 9.3% pressure rate during his first year as a starter, but improved drastically over the next two years.
From 2024-25, Proctor allowed 4 sacks and has conceded a 3.6% pressure rate. His 30 pressures allowed in that time frame were fewer than his total in 2023, while he was penalized six times across the past two seasons, just two more times than he was in '23 alone.
Aside from his drastic improvement, Proctor's size and athleticism make him a fascinating prospect. He's 6-foot-7, 366 pounds, and took five carries for the Tide this season, totaling 16 yards and gaining three first downs.
Proctor would offer versatility on the offensive line
Selecting Proctor would immediately offer competition across the offensive line. Some believe a move to guard is imminent, despite his size, due to his trouble with speed rushers. Whether it be at guard or tackle, Proctor would help New England's line in a massive way.
The major change New England could make to their line in the coming weeks would be the release of center Garrett Bradbury, a move that would save nearly $7 million ahead of free agency. That release could result in Jared Wilson's move back to center, his more natural collegiate position.
Selecting Proctor would fill the void at left guard, while Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses would offer veteran stability on the right side.
Alternatively, Proctor could succeed Moses on the right side following the 2026 season. In the short term, he'd likely see snaps as a jumbo fullback, a role taken on by Thayer Munford and Khyiris Tonga this past season.
Whether as a guard or tackle, Proctor would offer a major upgrade for New England's line. His last two seasons in the SEC have been excellent, and considering his athleticism and versatility, he could make for a high ceiling first-round pick.