Grading The Pick: Panthers find a way to support Bryce Young for years to come but not in the way many expected with the 19th overall pick
The Carolina Panthers went with a curveball with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by drafting a top offensive tackle to protect quarterback Bryce Young for years to come.
The Carolina Panthers have come to a decision with the 19th overall pick in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite trade buzz going into the event, general manager Dan Morgan stood pat and will be adding more support for QB Bryce Young.
However, it’s not the support for QB1 many expected. Instead of landing a top pass catcher on the board such as Makai Lemon or Omar Cooper Jr., the Panthers are fortifying the future of the offensive line by drafting Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling.
Following Ickey Ekwonu’s patellar tendon injury, offensive tackle jumped up the list of team needs for Carolina. Even though the Panthers got a steal in free agency with Rasheed Walker on a one-year deal, the long-term uncertainty loomed large at the tackle position. That uncertainty even goes beyond the left side considering right tackle Taylor Moton is getting up there in age as well.
By drafting Freeling, the Panthers get a least some long-term security at the position with a player that can benefit from sitting a year in 2026 before taking over.
Going into the season, Monroe Freeling wasn’t on many radars for the NFL Draft. It didn’t take long for many to start seeing he had a bright future in the NFL. Freeling has good size for the tackle position, but where he stands out is his athleticism and technique. He does a great job of both preventing defenders from getting through and around him, and he can play in any scheme, but would be best suited in a zone scheme that will maximize his movement skills.
TYler Forness
A to Z Sports
Panthers decide to go with Monroe Freeling instead of drafting everyone’s top prospect fit
Going with Freeling was unexpected and even more so with Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman still on the board at pick No. 19. Thieneman was everyone’s favorite fit for Carolina all week long but Freeling’s fall allowed Carolina to throw a curveball.
The real question becomes, what happens with the long-term extension talks for Ekwonu and his future with the team once he recovers from his significant knee injury?
Grade: B-
