Panthers select Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling at 19th pick
PUBLISHED Apr 23, 2026, 11:28 PM ET
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Charlotte, N.C. Monroe Freeling, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle from Georgia, was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 19th overall pick of the NFL Draft on April 23, 2026. The pick followed his three-year college tenure that included multiple starts and combine testing in February, and it adds a first-round lineman to Carolina’s depth chart. The Panthers say the selection addresses instability at tackle as veteran Ickey Ekwonu recovers from patellar tendon surgery and creates competition with free-agent Rasheed Walker; general manager Dan Morgan called Freeling the best player on the board. This week the team will integrate Freeling into minicamp plans and evaluate his fit at left and right tackle during OTAs.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2023: Freeling ranked a top recruit nationally and enrolled at Georgia.
- 2024-2025: Grew into a multi-year starter for Georgia, allowing nine pressures in 2025.
- February 2026: Participated in NFL Combine; recorded a 4.93 40-yard dash and notable jumps.
- April 23, 2026: Selected 19th overall by the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Draft.
- April–May 2026: Panthers announce Freeling will compete for tackle starts while integrating into offseason program.
News Intelligence
- If you're a Panthers fan, this is big. Freeling's selection could stabilize the team's tackle position. He's a top talent, and his addition could improve the Panthers' offensive line. Keep an eye on his progress during the offseason.
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The Carolina Panthers benefited by adding first-round offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, increasing competition and depth at tackle while compensating for Ickey Ekwonu’s recovery and reinforcing offensive-line options.
Other teams seeking first-round tackle talent lost a projected starter; some Panthers linemen and free-agent contenders now face increased competition for starting roles.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Panthers break O-line draft drought with Monroe Freeling, 'challenging the roster' in the process
The New York TimesFrom Center
Panthers select Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling at 19th pick
ArcaMax Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer Post and Courier https://www.wbtv.comFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
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