Kirby Smart reacts after Panthers draft Georgia OT Monroe Freeling

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has coached 21 first-round picks during his 10 years at the University of Georgia. He's also had just 21 losses. Smart knows a thing or two about talented players and what it takes to win.

The latest Georgia player to be a first-round pick is towering offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. The Carolina Panthers drafted Freeling with the No. 19 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

"Congrats Monroe Freeling!" Smart said via social media. "It has been awesome watching you grow over the past three years. The Panthers are getting a great leader and a force in the trenches. GO DAWGS!!"

The 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle has elite athleticism and ideal size for an NFL offensive lineman. He won't be forced to play right away in Carolina. The Panthers return NFL veteran Taylor Moton at right tackle and signed former Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency.

The Panthers will likely miss Ikem Ekwonu for much of the 2026 season after he suffered a torn patellar tendon during the Panthers' playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Freeling will provide depth, but could step in if the Panthers have another injury.

The Carolina offensive line has improved significantly over the past couple of seasons, which has helped quarterback Bryce Young find his groove in the NFL. Freeling will take some time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but as he further refines his technique, he could become a dominant force in the trenches for years to come.