When it comes to any first-round hopeful, the NFL Scouting Combine may be of the utmost importance for Monroe Freeling. The standout offensive tackle out of Georgia has been a rapid riser up many scouting pundits' NFL Draft boards. He has gone for a borderline first-round prospect, into being a player who could potentially crack the top 16. He was listed as No. 19 in this NFL mock draft.
Freeling entered the 2026 NFL Draft after only three years at Georgia. While he was really only a one-year starter for the Dawgs, his massive frame and overall upside has teams like the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and the Houston Texans chomping at the bit to potentially draft him. However, he is a bit raw coming out. More importantly, he has had concerns on injuries and technique.
Should Freeling marvel at the combine, then he will surely be a first-round pick. If he does not, he may have to make up for it at his pro day. To be quite frank, that might hurt his chances of cracking the top 32 in most estimations. The combine is where teams get their measurables and medicals, as well as conduct their in-person interviews. It is a level playing field for every prospect who does get an invite.
Freeling may not have the most variance of any draftable player coming out of Georgia, but it is close.
Monroe Freeling has to make the most of his NFL Combine experience
When looking at the three other first-round hopefuls off Kirby Smart's 2025-26 Georgia football team, there are other things working for them that Freeling does not. With linebacker CJ Allen, he was the best player off last year's team and was tremendously productive. With defensive lineman Christen Miller, his absence is felt when he is off the field. And for wide receiver Zachariah Branch, he can fly!
Freeling's upside has everything to do with what he can be, when compared to what he was while at Georgia. While all four of these players could have lucrative NFL careers, Freeling is the furthest away from reaching his perceived ceiling. This is why he could be the first Georgia player coming off the board, possibly the only one to go top 32 should Allen, Branch, or Miller not make the cut this spring...
In truth, the hype surrounding what Freeling could potentially become at the next level is getting out of hand. He was a fine player up front for Georgia, but it was not until recently that he had top-20 potential. That being said, if he checks all of the crucial boxes at the NFL Scouting Combine, his stock will not only continue to rise, but will be largely justified. It all comes down to a good showing in Indy...
At this time, the juice seems to be worth the squeeze when it comes to Freeling's NFL Draft stock.