Highlights for Panthers 2026 1st-round pick Monroe Freeling

The Carolina Panthers probably didn't pick who you wanted them to pick.

WIth their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, Carolina nabbed University of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling—who may one day replace either Ickey Ekwonu at left tackle or Taylor Moton at right tackle. That's notably less exciting than a ball-hawking safety or a tight end who could actually run a route without falling down‚but sometimes, building a winner requires making unsexy moves likes these.

Freeling is no mindless mauler, though—nor is he a plain technician on the field. Freeling is a top one-percent freak athlete with elite size, speed and explosiveness.

Here's the highlight reel to prove it:

In their post-pick press conference, general manager Dan Morgan said that the Panthers "may not be done" bolstering their offensive line, so we might have to expect more trench additions this weekend. Look for the center position to be an area of interest.

What's clear is that the rash of injuries that devastated this unit last season made a clear impression on the front office, and they feel a need to provide as much depth as they can. With Freeling, they're getting a lot more than just a swing tackle, and we have a feeling that he could force his way onto the field as a rookie.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Monroe Freeling highlights: The best of the Panthers' new OT