Panthers Draft Monroe Freeling: Hometown Hero

0:00On April 24th, Panthers just snagged offensive tackle Monroe Freeling from Georgia, with a 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL. Draft. Kids from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, right outside Charleston, so he's only a three-hour drive from home. He was jumping out of his skin on that draft call, yelling in pure joy that his dream landed him right in the Carolinas. Team brass called him the top guy on their board, perfect fit for what they need up front. Several manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales raved about his love for the game. His toughness and that competitor fire they scouted all along. Freeling's reaction was straight electric, phone shaking as he picked up that 704 area code call while Detroit was still picking. He's still pinching himself, saying it feels surreal to block for the home squad instead of heading far away like in college. Now he's reuniting with former Georgia teammate Trevor Eddie N, the running back to Panthers grab in the fourth round last year. Etzian had a solid rookie run with 20 carries for 94 yards plus return duties.

1:04Freeling's pumped to pave the way for him, Bryce Young and the whole crew. His brothers Tristan, who bought at Queens University right here in Charlotte, so he's got a built-in guide to the Queen City. Freeling's tying back to his South Carolina roots after growing up around Carolina fans, ready to pour everything into the team that feels like family.