Panthers Bolster Offensive Line with No. 19 Pick Monroe Freeling

Panthers Bolster Offensive Line with No. 19 Pick Monroe Freeling originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Carolina Panthers added a towering presence to their offensive front Thursday night, selecting offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Freeling, a 6-foot-7 lineman out of Georgia Bulldogs football, arrives in Carolina with the kind of size and pedigree teams covet when investing in protection up front. A native of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Freeling started 13 games last season for Georgia and earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2025, solidifying his status as one of the top offensive tackles in this year’s class.

The Panthers’ decision signals a continued emphasis on strengthening the offensive line, a unit that has been under scrutiny in recent seasons. Freeling’s length, footwork, and experience in the SEC — widely regarded as college football’s most competitive conference — make him a plug-and-play candidate at tackle, with the upside to develop into a long-term cornerstone.

Offensive Line Stability with Selection of  Freeling

At Georgia, Freeling was part of a program known for producing NFL-ready talent, particularly in the trenches. His ability to handle elite pass rushers week in and week out helped boost his draft stock, while his versatility allowed him to adapt to multiple blocking schemes. Scouts have praised his wingspan and balance, noting that his physical tools give him a high ceiling at the next level.

For Carolina, the pick is as much about the future as it is about immediate impact. Protecting the quarterback and establishing consistency in the run game remain top priorities, and Freeling fits both objectives. His presence should add competition along the line while providing much-needed depth and stability.