Panthers First Round Draft Reacts Survey: Grade the Monroe Freeling pick

TL;DR

The Carolina Panthers selected Monroe Freeling as the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts graded the pick mostly between B and B+, highlighting its potential long-term benefits despite concerns about immediate impact.

Key points

Monroe Freeling was selected 19th overall by the Panthers.
Freeling is a one-year starter at left tackle from Georgia.
Analysts graded the pick mostly between B and B+.
Concerns exist about immediate impact due to current tackles' statuses.
Freeling provides flexibility along the offensive line.

Monroe FreelingIkem EkwonuTaylor MotonBryce Young

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling is selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number 19 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Carolina Panthers have picked athletic superstar (work with me, here) Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Freeling is a one-year starter at left tackle for the University of Georgia and projects to be the Panthers 2027 starter at either left or right tackle depending on the statuses of current tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton. Ekwonu (knee) and Moton (father time) are both large question marks entering both this and next season. Freeling gives the Panthers flexibility and strength along their offensive line—both key traits for a key unit as they stare down quarterback Bryce Young’s contract year. Here’s how our staff graded the Freeling selection:

**Walker Clement:** B; while I was pulling hard for Thieneman, the Panthers did the smart thing and built from the trenches with an excellent value pick on the side of the ball that is their clear priority. It’s hard to fault them for that.
**Jon Delong:** B+; I really like the player and can’t fault the Panthers for taking him. But his impact is likely going to take time to fully notice given the tackles the Panthers currently employ. This could easily be an A+ in hindsight, but it doesn’t really get the juices flowing in the here and now.
**Brian Beversluis:** B; I think the pick makes absolutely perfect sense, but when you consider a first rounder as an instant impact starter, this isn’t one. Unless he takes over Walker’s position of course. Then it’s an A+. But overall, good pick from the long term looking perspective this organization has taken

Q&A

Who is Monroe Freeling and why was he drafted by the Panthers?

Monroe Freeling is an offensive lineman from the University of Georgia, drafted by the Panthers to strengthen their offensive line and provide flexibility at tackle.

What grades did analysts give the Panthers' pick of Monroe Freeling?

Analysts graded the pick mostly between B and B+, with some expressing concerns about Freeling's immediate impact but acknowledging his long-term potential.

What are the current tackle situations for the Panthers that affect Freeling's role?

The Panthers' current tackles, Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, have uncertain futures due to injury and age, which opens the door for Freeling to potentially start in 2027.