Dan Morgan held true to BPA approach by making a calculated decision with Monroe Freeling - and the rest will figure itself out

Dan Morgan held true to BPA approach by making a calculated decision with Monroe Freeling - and the rest will figure itself out

The Carolina Panthers stunned a lot of people with their first-round selection of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, but the process behind the decision speaks for itself.

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan intended to enter into the 2026 NFL Draft with the best player available mindset, an approach that led the team toward drafting Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick.

Freeling was viewed as one of the top tackles in the class and one of the top athletes, regardless of position. Based on projections and positional value, it was a steal for the Panthers even if the selection was a curveball for the fanbase.

“We’re really excited about Monroe,” Morgan told reporters Thursday night. “Best player on our board, big, long, athletic, physical, a guy with high upside that we’re extremely excited about. Adding him to our room, I think he can play left side, he can play right side, brings a lot of value to us.”

Drafting a first-round offensive tackle was a calculated decision by the Carolina Panthers

Tackle always loomed as a top need for the Panthers to solidify some long-term stability at the position. Former sixth overall pick and starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered a significant patellar tendon injury back in January that will likely force him to miss the entirety of the 2026 season.

Even if he returns to his former form, the Panthers will have to pay Ekwonu after 2026, which will be the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. Carolina also has long-term concerns on the right side as well with Taylor Moton entering his 10th season at age 32.