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Former NFL GM gives his thoughts on who Panthers should draft with 19th pick
TL;DR
Former NFL GM Ran Carthon suggests the Carolina Panthers should draft offensive lineman Monroe Freeling from the University of Georgia with the 19th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. This recommendation comes amid uncertainties regarding the team's offensive tackle positions for 2027.
A former NFL general manager has given his thoughts on who the Carolina Panthers should target next Thursday night.
Ran Carthon, who headed the front office of the Tennessee Titans from 2023 to 2024, joined The Schrager Hour for a fresh one-round mock of the 2026 NFL Draft. The ex-executive had the responsibility of picking for the Panthers at the 19th overall spot, where he proceeded to grab University of Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling.
Take a listen:
As Carthon notes, there are some questions around who will be starting at both offensive tackle spots for the Panthers in 2027. Left tackles Ikem Ekwonu, who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon, and Rasheed Walker are both ticketed for free agency while longtime right tackle Taylor Moton could end up as a cap casualty.
Freeling may not have an immediate starting role in 2026, but the 6-foot-7, 315-pound Charleston, S.C. native could be worth waiting for. His size, athleticism and experience on the blindside will certainly play in the pros—especially at one of the most important positions in the game.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Former NFL GM links Panthers to OL Monroe Freeling
Q&A
Who is Monroe Freeling and why should the Panthers draft him?
Monroe Freeling is an offensive lineman from the University of Georgia, recommended by former NFL GM Ran Carthon for the Panthers' 19th pick due to the team's need for stability on the offensive line.
What are the current concerns for the Panthers' offensive tackle positions?
The Panthers face uncertainties with left tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Rasheed Walker both heading to free agency, and right tackle Taylor Moton potentially being a cap casualty.
What was Ran Carthon's role with the Tennessee Titans?
Ran Carthon served as the general manager for the Tennessee Titans from 2023 to 2024, where he was responsible for player selections, including the Panthers' pick in the mock draft.
