Monroe Freeling: Top NFL Draft Prospect

0:00On April 20th, the 2026 NFL Draft hits Pittsburgh from April 23 to 25th, and Georgia Offensive Lyman Monroe Freeling is turning heads as a top prospect. At 6.7 and 315 pounds, this 21-year-old left tackle is projected by USA Today to go 17th overall to the Detroit Lions. Scouts love his huge frame in anchor and pass protection, plus he cut pressures allowed from 21 in 2024 to just 9 last season. He's got quickness off the snap to handle speedy edge rushers, though his hand usage and upright style need work to stick as a starter. Freeling only has 18 college starts after three seasons, but as a former five star recruit from Charleston, he's next in Georgia's line of, first round tackles like a Marius Mims and Broderick Jones. His stock soared with a solid 2025 campaign, 34-inch arms, and a 4.9-340-yard dash.

1:00Bigboard ranks him around 27, and for the Lions he could slide in at left tackle after Taylor Decker leaves, or ease in on the right while. They shuffle Penet Suule. Limited experience means a quick learning curve, especially with Tate Ratledge already anchoring their guard spot from Georgia. Catch Round One, Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern on NFL Network, or ESPN, with streams on NFL Plus, ESPN Services, or FUBO, plenty of ways to see if, Freeling hears his name called early. NFL News Today, powered by AI Bringing You What Matters on Game Day, I'm Corey, with the story.