There was some doubt whether Georgia would even have a player taken in the first round of tonight’s NFL Draft. Monroe Freeling erased that doubt when he went #19 overall to the Carolina Panthers.
Freeling’s college career at Georgia was defined by both early responsibility and sustained consistency. Those two traits explain why he could have a solid NFL career.
Freeling was unexpectedly thrust into a big role as a true freshman in 2023, seeing action in eight games for the defending national champions.
But he quickly proved he could handle elite SEC competition. That’s a true rarity for offensive linemen who typically require longer development timelines, even blue chip prospects like Freeling. His immediate impact in Athens was made possible by a combination of advanced technique and mental readiness, particularly in pass protection and assignment discipline.
Across subsequent seasons, Freeling established himself as one of the most reliable pieces on the Bulldog offensive line. His combination of size (6’7, 318), strength, and technical refinement has made him a cornerstone player rather than a rotational contributor. Importantly, his consistency (not just peak performance) has elevated his draft profile, as NFL evaluators often prioritize linemen who minimize mistakes over those who flash intermittently.
With limited roster spots scouts also prioritize guys who can play multiple positions, and that’s definitely Freeling. While his work in Athens was mainly at left tackle, he also cross-trained at both guard spots. His ability to realistically play at least three of the five OL spots is both a testament to his football IQ and a huge selling point.
Projecting forward, Freeling’s NFL potential appears significant. His early starting experience against top-tier competition mirrors the developmental path of many recent first-round offensive linemen. His polish and toughness as likely reduce the risk associated with high dollar first round offensive line prospects. While Freeling may not have the same ceiling as former Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor, I’d argue he has a much higher floor because he doesn’t have the same conditioning and work ethic concerns scouts highlighted with Proctor. Freeling might not be a perennial Pro Bowler, but I’m confident he also won’t be a first round bust. Congrats, Monroe, and…
Go ‘Dawgs!!!
