Panthers' rookie OT Monroe Freeling growing into NFL role

TL;DR

Carolina Panthers rookie offensive tackle Monroe Freeling is adapting well to his NFL role, showcasing improved strength and skills during minicamp practices. Coach Dave Canales has noted Freeling's growth just two practices into his career.

Key points

Monroe Freeling is a rookie offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers.
He was the No. 19 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Coach Dave Canales has noted Freeling's growth in strength and skills.

Monroe FreelingCarolina Panthers

Panthers' rookie OT Monroe Freeling growing into NFL role originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In the corner of the practice field Saturday, Carolina Panthers rookie offensive tackle Monroe Freeling picked up the weighted bag, positioning it on his right shoulder, hauling it over for the next NFL rookie minicamp drill.

Knees bent, April's No. 19 overall draft pick started shuffling his feet, following a coach's hand directions. With the heavy bag resting on his extended arms, Freeling executed the strength-and-balance drill before handing the bag off to Isaia Glass.

Two practices into his career, Freeling appeared bigger and stronger to Panthers coach Dave Canales.

At Georgia, Freeling weighed between 310-315 pounds. He was about 10 pounds heavier for the two-day minicamp at the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium.

"I mean, first of all, he looks great," Canales said. "He's been working really hard, just trying to continue to increase his strength. He showed up about 325 and looked great, moved well, showed the length and all the things."