Carolina Panthers Select New Blindside Protector in Mock Draft

The Carolina Panthers had a great 2025 season, making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The Panthers went 8-9, winning the NFC South as their team improved drastically. Carolina even pushed the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round, narrowly losing 34-31.

Following their playoff loss, the Panthers were aggressive in free agency, inking deals with Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd, Rasheed Walker, and more to improve the team.

Carolina will get another opportunity to upgrade the roster in the draft, as they hold the 19th overall pick.

In Bucky Brooks' recent mock draft, he has the Panthers taking left tackle Monroe Freeling. 

Freeling is one of the top tackles in the draft and could be a long-term fit as the blindside protector for Bryce Young.

The Panthers have Walker as a one-year rental at the position, as they inked him to a $4 million deal with incentives to reach $10 million. Their previous left tackle, Ikem Ekwonu, went down with a ruptured patellar tendon in the loss to the Rams.

Ekwonu is entering the final year of his contract and may not play in 2026, leaving questions about his future with the team.

If Carolina wants to find a new franchise left tackle, taking Freeling could be a wise choice. 

Quarterback Bryce Young is coming off a career year, as he completed 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 former number one overall pick was inconsistent in his first two seasons, but had a breakout year in his third campaign. While Young still has room for improvement, he has developed into a quality quarterback.

However, if the offensive line regresses, it could stunt Young's impact. He is a smaller quarterback, and having elite protection will get the most out of him.

Freeling started 14 games at left tackle in 2025 and was named to the All-SEC Second Team.

The Georgia star would be a great selection for the Panthers if they are concerned about Ekwonu's long-term health.

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