Monroe Freeling Goes to Panthers at No. 19 Overall

The Carolina Panthers selected University of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. The 21-year-old stands at an enormous 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, and he'll take the next step in his football career as a big body to help the Panthers up front in front of quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers are taking a bit of a risk with this pick, just based on the fact that Freeling only started one season with the Bulldogs. Freeling's specific position in his first year in the NFL will depend largely on the health of Ikem Ekwonu (knee), who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his knee. If needed, the Panthers could plug Freeling on Young's blind side right away, which would put a lot of pressure on the young offensive tackle. What Freeling lacks in experience, he can easily make up for with elite athleticism for his hulking size. He has the potential to be a franchise-changing left tackle.

Source: NFL.com