CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers selected offensive tackle Monroe Freeling from Georgia with the 19th overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, adding stability for a position in flux.
The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Freeling played three seasons for the Bulldogs and started 18 games over the past two seasons, including 13 last season. He is considered a powerful run-blocker who is adept at pass protection.
Freeling likely projects as a long-term replacement for 31-year-old right tackle Taylor Moton, who has started 145 games.
Carolina’s starting left tackle Ickey Ekwonu is expected to miss most of the 2026 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in the team’s wild-card game loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The Panthers signed Rasheed Walker to a one-year deal as a short-term replacement.
It marks the third straight year that general manager Dan Morgan has taken an offensive player in the first round.
He selected wide receivers in his first round in his first two drafts, taking Xavier Legette in 2024 and reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan in the 2025.
The Panthers went heavy on defense in free agency, signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract and Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $45 million contract.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
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