Panthers Draft Monroe Freeling: Smart Move or Risky Bet?

0:00It's April 24th, NFL News Today starts now, AI-powered and game-ready. I'm Cory with the story. The Carolina Panthers just snagged Monroe Freeling that athletic beast from the University of Georgia with the 19th overall pick in the 20. 26 NFL Draft. Dude's a one-year starter at left tackle and lets Prime to anchor their line as the 2027 starter, either left or right side. Current tackles, Ecum Equinu and Taylor Motone got big question marks hanging over them. Equinu nursing a knee issue, Motone battling father time. This pick hands the Panthers real flexibility up front on the O-line, super crucial heading into Bryce Young's contract year. Staff reactions are solid but measured, mostly begrades across the board. Folks dig the value in long-term smarts for building the trenches, their top priority, though some say it won't spark immediate fire since Vets are. Still in place. A few voices note he's a bit raw, perfect to learn behind the incumbents, but they'd have loved to plug and play guy for quicker juice.

1:05Overall, it's seen as a smart, patient move, fitting the team's vision. Fans, hit us with your grades on Freeling at 19. What's your take as this draft shakes out?