Here is a detailed breakdown on Kadyn Proctor — the 6‑foot‑7 tackle for the Alabama Crimson Tide — his weight/conditioning journey, criticism from former players/program legends, NFL draft implications, and where things stand now.
1. Background & Status
Kadyn Proctor was a five‑star recruit who committed to Alabama and started early in his college career (including at left tackle).
His frame is massive: 6‑foot‑7, and at various times listed around 360‑370+ pounds.
He had some early growing pains in pass protection — one article noted he “allowed 12 sacks” in a season and “led Alabama with 36 pressures” among offensive linemen.
2. Criticism & Accountability from Program Legends
After a season‑opening loss to Florida State Seminoles, two former Alabama first‑round offensive linemen — JC Latham and Tyler Booker — reached out to Proctor and told him he wasn’t playing fast enough.
In that same discussion, Proctor told the SEC Network that NFL teams’ “only concern is my weight” — referencing that his weight was 400+ pounds as a freshman, and he was down to ~356.2 at the time of that quote.
Why this matters:
This kind of direct call‑out from players who came before him speaks to the culture at Alabama (and in elite programs) where expectations are extremely high. The fact that “program legends” felt compelled to reach out suggests there was noticeable concern about his conditioning/foot speed and how it translated to his performance.
3. The Weight / Body Transformation Story
Multiple articles discuss Proctor’s body transformation. For example, one noted that “the number on the scale isn’t too different, but his body sure is” — he reported being “about 365 pounds” after the offseason, and while his listed weight may not have drastically dropped, his fat percentage, muscle composition and mobility improved.
Another article: “How a leaner frame helps Alabama OL Kadyn Proctor become an All‑American” — it mentions that he was “overweight in 2023”, that his ability to move his feet and sustain blocks was hindered by bodily mass, and that the drop in body fat and improved conditioning should help his mobility, punch, and pass protection.
The quote about NFL teams’ “only concern is my weight” and the number 356.2 lbs was public.
Key takeaway: The narrative is that Proctor recognized (and his coaches recognized) that his mass — while giving him strength and size — was limiting his mobility and pass‑protection ability. The effort to “slim” or at least recondition the body is tied directly to his ability to perform at an NFL‑level profile.
4. NFL Draft Implications
Size vs. Mobility: As one analyst wrote, though Proctor has “size (6‑7, 360+) … his best tape is of a top‑10 pick. But he’s a polarizing prospect because of his inconsistent play.”
One piece from CBS: “One concern is his size … at 6‑7 and 366 lbs … that is not the NFL prototype.”
The weight narrative could affect his draft stock: dropping weight and gaining mobility is often seen by NFL teams as a positive “dedication to craft” move. Conversely, too much mass without movement ability can be a red flag for pass‑protection and longevity.
His improved mobility after weight drop is being noted. One teammate said: “He’s a freaky athlete … he is faster than me.” (despite the large frame)
So, while Proctor still has elite physical traits (size, length, strength), the major hurdle is: can he prove that his body composition now allows for high‑level pass protection, anchor vs speed & power rushers, and hold up in the NFL? The “weight/conditioning” storyline is one of the main narratives around his prospect status.
5. What Specifically Happened: From 400+ to ~356lbs (and counting)
The tweet cited that Proctor said his weight as a freshman was “400+ pounds”, and that he’s down to 356.2 lbs as of that interview.
While full specifics (meal plans, conditioning, etc.) aren’t all publicly detailed, the reporting suggests he changed his training, trimmed body fat, improved mobility, and adjusted his body composition rather than simply losing “weight” in a crude sense. (For example: the “leaner frame” article).
The implication: by dropping “bad weight” (fat, non‑functional mass) and refining movement/training, he is positioning himself better for the demands of NFL offensive tackle play (longer pass sets, faster edge rushers, etc.).
6. Why the “NFL Won’t Accept Him” Claim Needs Nuance
The phrasing you used (“… after two program legends said NFL won’t accept him”) is a bit stronger than the direct quotations. Here’s how to nuance:
It is true that Proctor said an NFL concern was his weight (“only concern is my weight”) which implies teams are scrutinising that aspect.
Former players (Latham & Booker) told him he wasn’t playing fast enough — part of the implicit critique being his body/conditioning (and how it affects play).
But there has not been a blanket declaration that “NFL won’t accept him” in public via reliable sources. Instead: he is under pressure to show he meets NFL prototype standards (mobility, pass protection, durability) and that weight/conditioning is a key part of that evaluation.
So, the story is: Proctor heard that his weight/body was a concern for NFL teams; he has since taken steps (weight loss / body transformation) to address that; the program legends’ critique helped spark and amplify that.
7. Current Status & What to Watch
Proctor is still with Alabama, starting (or expected to start) at left tackle, and his transformation is ongoing.
He appears leaner, more mobile, and is being praised for improvement.
For NFL evaluators and for him to solidify his draft stock, the following will matter:
Pass‑protection consistency: fewer pressures/sacks allowed, better hand/foot technique.
Durability and ability to sustain blocks across long drives or seasons (less “fatigue” effect).
Film vs elite edge rushers: Are his improved mobility and anchor translating into performance?
Official measurement: At a future Combine/Pro Day, his weight, body fat, movement testing will be scrutinized.
How he finishes the college career (senior year) with performances that show translation of tools to game context.
8. Summary / Final Take
Kadyn Proctor is a high‑ceiling offensive tackle prospect whose enormous size and athleticism give him a tremendous base. However, his body composition (weight, mobility) has been a critique that both longtime program insiders (e.g., former Alabama linemen) and NFL scouts have flagged. Recognising that, he’s worked on trimming down and improving his frame/body to align more with what the NFL expects from an elite tackle in today’s game.
The “legend told him the NFL won’t accept him” framing is a little hyperbolic, but there are strong signals: his weight was flagged as an NFL concern; he was called out by former players; he has made visible changes. If he continues this trajectory — improving his technique, demonstrating pass‑protection consistency and durability — he remains a very strong prospect. But if he falters in those areas, the weight/mobility narrative could hamper his draft standing.