Where you land matters! When it comes to a high-end NFL Draft prospect like Monroe Freeling, that could not be more of the case. While CJ Allen will likely make it two former Georgia players going in the first round in this month's 2026 NFL Draft, Freeling has crossed the threshold of being a first-round lock. He has seen his NFL Draft stock skyrocket in recent weeks since he opted to turn pro.
Freeling may have only played at Georgia for three seasons, but his big frame and otherworldly athleticism are why teams in dire need of a book-end cannot get enough of the guy. Only a few weeks ago, we were looking at him potentially coming off the board in the mid-to-late 20s. Now we must prepare ourselves to live in a world where Freeling could conceivably be a top-16 pick for all we know.
So what we are going to do today is highlight three teams who could potentially draft him in the first round based solely on fit. All three of these teams would be great landing spots for him, but only one can be the best. After Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders out of Indiana, the rest of the first round will eventually fall into place. Freeling will be hearing his name called soon.
Let's start with a team needing more talent to overcome being overachievers, and then go from there.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers may have won the NFC South a season ago, but they only did so by the skin of their teeth. This was still a sub-.500 team that took advantage of the entire division being down. It just goes to show how great of an offensive-minded head coach Dave Canales really is. What is important to understand is Carolina needs to know for certain if Bryce Young can really play in the NFL or not...
By taking Freeling in the middle part of the first round, they could be getting a big body to help keep him upright. Really anything Dan Morgan does to improve this roster will work. Carolina is not totally devoid of talent, but last year's team was a bunch of overachievers. It helped that Tampa Bay fell off a cliff, New Orleans was rebuilding, and Atlanta finally admitted it hired the wrong head coach in 2024...
Freeling to Carolina does make a lot of sense, but other teams might have a more defined role for him.
2. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions would make a lot of sense here, man. After being the No. 1 seed in the NFC two seasons ago, Dan Campbell's team pulled back and missed the playoffs in 2025. There were a few reasons for that, but massive coaching attrition did not help them out at all. With Frank Ragnow and Dan Skipper retiring, as well as Taylor Decker looking to play elsewhere, the Lions do need some help!
Yes, they still have Penei Sewell doing the lord's work in the trenches, but getting better on either side of the ball up front seems to be very much in the cards for the Lions. Whether it is getting someone to play opposite of Sewell along the offensive line, or someone opposite of Aidan Hutchinson along the pass rush, the Lions need more bite where it matters. Freeling is a guy who could grow into this role.
The fact he would be reunited with former Georgia teammate Tate Ratledge up front makes sense.
1. Cleveland Browns
Do not be the least bit surprised if the Cleveland Browns maneuver up and down the draft board to land Freeling. All of their starting offensive line from a season ago is gone. With Todd Monken coming in as their new head coach, he will want some combination of Baltimore and Georgia guys playing for him. While his time in Athens did not overlap with Freeling's, the Kirby Smart connection will be there.
Unlike with Carolina and Detroit, Cleveland is not expected to make the playoffs next year. It will allow Freeling to grow into a starting role with the Browns. Again, he only played in Athens for three years. While wishing somebody to the Browns is not for the faint of heart, the expectations are not going to be sky high like they are in Charlotte or Detroit. Pressure either makes diamonds or crushes an egg...
Freeling would have a really good chance of tapping into all of his potential playing for Monken here.