Panthers Select Georgia Tackle Monroe Freeling at No. 19 in 2026 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers used the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. The 21-year-old, a 6-7, 318-lb left-tackle, posted a 4.93-second 40-yard dash, a 33.5-inch vertical and 34 ¾-inch arms at the combine.

With the No. 19 overall pick, the Panthers select tackle Monroe Freeling

Carolina entered the draft after signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd, but its interior line remained thin. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from a torn patellar tendon, and the team added former Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker on a one-year contract. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton, who turns 32 in August, continues as a starter. Freeling was presented as a long-term depth piece for the trenches.

With the No. 19 overall pick, the Panthers select tackle Monroe Freeling

Freeling started 17 games and appeared in 36 contests for Georgia. He earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2025, was a two-time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, and helped quarterback Gunner Stockton achieve a 69.7 % completion rate. His combine metrics—4.93-second 40, 33.5-inch vertical, 34 ¾-inch arms—rank among the most coveted for NFL tackles.

University of Georgia Athletics

Team officials said the pick reinforces the line while Ekwonu recovers. Freeling will develop behind Rasheed Walker and could compete for a starting role after refining his technique. The selection aligns with the Panthers’ stated priority of building depth at offensive-line positions rather than chasing immediate marquee talent elsewhere.

With the No. 19 overall pick, the Panthers select tackle Monroe Freeling

Local analysts graded the pick between B and B+. Walker Clement called it “smart” and a “value pick” for a clear priority. Jon Delong gave a B+, noting upside but a delayed impact. Brian Beversluis also assigned a B, while Daniel Belton offered a C+, preferring a more immediate starter. The Tennessee.com tracker echoed a B grade, praising Freeling’s NFL-ready body but noting limited starting experience.

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

• “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.” — Walker Clement, Analyst, Catscratchreader

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

• “They wanted to get a tackle.” — Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network analyst

Daniel Jeremiah just made Dan Morgan look like a genius after Panthers draft heist

• “Morgan wanted to take the best prospect available and worry about the rest later.” — CatCrave summary

Daniel Jeremiah just made Dan Morgan look like a genius after Panthers draft heist

• “19 overall | Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia Instant grade: B B Analysis: Freeling only has a year of starting experience, but he has an NFL-ready body and athleticism.” — Tennessee.com draft tracker

The Tennessean

Freeling will report to training camp in late July, where coaches plan to rotate him with Rasheed Walker and evaluate his fit at both left and right tackle. If Ekwonu’s recovery extends into the regular season, Freeling could see early playing time in sub-package sets. The Panthers expect his development to be a key factor in protecting quarterback Bryce Young and sustaining the run game as the team targets a playoff return.

With the No. 19 overall pick, the Panthers select tackle Monroe Freeling