Carolina Panthers Draft Franchise Tackle With No. 19 Pick

The Carolina Panthers have selected Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Freeling was the top-ranked left tackle in the draft and could be the long-term blindside protector for quarterback Bryce Young.

He started 13 games for the Bulldogs in 2025 and established himself as an elite left tackle.

The Panthers' current left tackle, Ikem Ekwonu, went down with a ruptured patellar tendon in the Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Rams, likely sidelining him for most, if not all, of the 2026 season.

Ekwonu is entering the final year of his deal, and with his injury, it made sense for the Panthers to find their long-term answer.

Carolina signed left tackle Rasheed Walker to a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency, which is more of a bridge option at the position, while Freeling will be the long-term answer.

It is pivotal to have that investment in the offensive line as their quarterback, Young, continues to develop.

In the 2025 season, Young had a career year, completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 216 yards and two touchdowns.

The 24-year-old quarterback led the Panthers to the NFC South title and the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

There was speculation that Carolina could've taken another weapon, but Tetairoa McMillan will hold it down for now after winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2025.

He had an unreal season, hauling in 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. 

The Panthers will lean on McMillan and other weapons like Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette to develop into a quality unit.

With their talent, like Young and McMillan, continuing to improve on offense, adding a tackle like Freeling was a wise selection by general manager Dan Morgan to keep the pocket clean.

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