The Carolina Panthers have just made an intriguing investment in their trenches.

As announced during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Panthers have taken University of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall selection.

A nearby native of Charleston, S.C., Freeling went a little down south to play all three of his collegiate seasons for the Bulldogs. Over that span, he notched 18 starts from the left tackle position—with 13 coming in his second-team All-SEC campaign in 2025.

Carolina's outlook at both tackle positions is a bit cloudy beyond the upcoming season. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is currently recovering from a torn patellar tendon he sustained in the team's wild-card round loss to the Los Angeles Rams while longtime starting right tackle Taylor Moton will be 33 years old in 2027.

Even with Freeling, the projected starter at left tackle come Week 1 should be Rasheed Walker—who was signed to a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Panthers take Georgia OT Monroe Freeling 19th overall