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Browns tabbed as team doing extensive work into NFL Draft riser
TL;DR
The Cleveland Browns are actively scouting top tackle prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, with Georgia's Monroe Freeling emerging as a potential top-15 pick. The Browns have conducted extensive evaluations on Freeling, alongside other teams like the Chiefs, Dolphins, and Rams.
The Cleveland Browns still need a left tackle. They have been linked to every top tackle in the class and have had multiple of them in for visits ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Now, one of those targets is being tabbed as a potential riser, and with the Browns being among the teams that have sniffed around him a ton. Georgia's Monroe Freeling is now seen as a strong candidate to be selected within the top-15 of the NFL Draft. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo listed the Browns among teams that have done heavy work.
Here is what Garafolo had to say on Freeling:
"A lot of buzz lately for Georgia OT Monroe Freeling as a riser into the top 15. To that end, the Browns (6), Chiefs (9), Dolphins (11) and Rams (13) are among the teams who have spent extended time with him through the Draft process via visits, workouts and other meetings."
What would the Browns get in Freeling?
First and foremost, the Browns would be getting an offensive tackle whose best football is still ahead of him. While Freeling is a one-year starter (spot starter in 2024 as well) at Georgia, the last five games of his tape are tremendous. The Browns are in a position in 2026, a team not ready to compete, to put a young left tackle on the field and let him learn through growing pains.
Daft on Draft, a year-round NFL Draft content site, had this to say on Freeling in their scouting report:
"In draft classes that are getting increasingly older as players are less eager to leap to the NFL thanks to NIL, when a young player like Freeling does come out, it raises green flags. He has shades of former Indianapolis Colts first round pick back in 2011, Anthony Castonzo.
Freeling is an ever-developing player whose best football is still ahead of him. As the pre-draft process starts, Freeling has the making of a shooting star up draft boards and could even compete for the title of the first offensive tackle off the board by April."
If the Browns select him, ideally after a trade-down, it would be a wise investment in their offensive line.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns tabbed as team doing work into NFL Draft riser Monroe Freeling
Q&A
Why are the Cleveland Browns interested in Monroe Freeling for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Browns need a left tackle and have identified Monroe Freeling as a potential riser in the draft, making him a strong candidate for their selection.
Which teams are competing with the Browns for Monroe Freeling in the NFL Draft?
The Browns are competing with the Chiefs, Dolphins, and Rams, all of whom have also shown significant interest in Monroe Freeling.
What is Monroe Freeling's projected draft position for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Monroe Freeling is now seen as a strong candidate to be selected within the top-15 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft.
