Monroe Freeling is one of the biggest late-season risers in the upcoming NFL Draft. He possesses an abundance of traits that help him stand out in a mediocre offensive tackle class. This article will highlight Monroe Freeling and his 2026 NFL Draft Profile.
2026 NFL Draft Profile Of Georgia OT Monroe Freeling
Measurables
- Height: 6’ 6”
- Weight: 315 lbs
- Arm Length: 34 1/8”
Player Background
As a four-star recruit out of Oceanside Collegiate Academy, Monroe Freeling was the sixth-ranked offensive tackle in the country and considered the best player within the state of South Carolina. He committed to the University of Georgia during the 2023 recruiting cycle, despite receiving offers from Ohio State, Alabama, and Notre Dame.
With former 18th overall pick Amarius Mims on the roster, it was difficult for Freeling to make an immediate impact as a freshman. He logged just 175 total snaps in eight games, serving mainly as the Bulldogs’ sixth lineman. In 2024, injuries to a number of starters along an established Georgia offensive line allowed Freeling to start at left tackle over the final five games of the season. This past season, he started 12 games and anchored one of the best offensive lines in the SEC. According to Pro Football Focus, his pass blocking grade of 83.7 ranked within the top-20 among all offensive tackles in college football.
Accolades
- All-SEC Second-Team (2025)
- 2x SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week (2025 vs Auburn and Texas)
- Preseason All-SEC Third Team (2025)
Best Tools
In this class of offensive tackles, Monroe Freeling has to be in the discussion for the most athletic. He showcases a freakish acceleration out of his stance and next-level speed when hunting down defenders out in space. When climbing to the second level, Freeling locates and dominates his assignments before showcasing elite short-area quickness by bouncing from block-to-block. In pass protection, this same athleticism gives him elite range within the pocket and the ability to mirror even the quickest speed rushers.
In both pass and run protection, Freeling is an elite processor. It takes little time for him to recognize his assignment or quickly decipher complex blitz packages. He remains calm under pressure and very rarely will he panic. When dealing with stunts, Freeling excels there, too. He understands how to communicate with his fellow offensive linemen and suppress them, keeping a clean pocket for the quarterback.
Tools to Improve
Unfortunately, Freeling really struggles technically in his lower half. He can’t consistently gain the leverage advantage due to really tight hips. This forces him into a very vertical and upright stance, which allows bull rushers to push right through him. With a stronger anchor, Freeling may be able to mask these issues, but unfortunately, his anchor isn’t great either, and this causes him to reach rather than actually block. He needs to do a better job of sinking his hips rather than lunging and bending at his waist.
While it has improved this past season, Freeling is too inconsistent with his hand placement and timing. With such good quickness off the line, he tends to fire his hands too quickly rather than staying patient and prioritizing placement over speed. Against smaller pass rushers, Freeling often strikes the helmet of the defender rather than their chest. He needs to adjust the placement of his hands depending on the size of his assignment.
NFL Projection
Monroe Freeling is going to test well at the Georgia Bulldogs’ pro day and at the NFL Combine. His athleticism, length, and potential to be a franchise left tackle will likely make him a top-50 selection, but his landing spot at the next level will be most important to his development. Fans shouldn’t expect much from Freeling right out of the gates. If he is a starting tackle in 2026, he will have his fair share of struggles. But, with a good coaching staff behind him, Freeling should get more consistent hands and a refined lower half. In an underwhelming tackle class, teams could be chomping at the bit for a high-ceiling, low-floor player like this.
Main Photo: [Brett Patzke] – Imagn Images
