2026 NFL Draft: Panthers' first-round pick Monroe Freeling makes introductions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Carolina Panthers welcomed Monroe Freeling to Bank of America Stadium on Friday.

Appearing in Charlotte, N.C., a day after becoming the No. 19 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the former Georgia standout immediately started making his franchise connections.

Freeling promised to make a solid first impression.

"I might be a rookie, but I'm gonna bring the energy every single day," Freeling said via teleconference Thursday night. "I don't think I can go out there and play offensive line without it."

The Charleston, S.C., native wore a Panthers hat during the call with reporters.

The fifth offensive tackle taken during the first of three draft days and nights in Pittsburgh could have the most upside. His 9.99 out of 10 RAS score was the second-best since 1987.

Freeling's 1.8 percent pressure rate ranked the best among all college left tackles in 2025, according to PFF.

"Best player on our board," Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said after making the call to draft Freeling.

A former five-star football recruit with a basketball background, Freeling experienced limited playing time at Georgia before finally earning a starting role last season.

The Panthers added Freeling for competition and depth, but also as insurance for Ikem Ekwonu's patellar tendon injury and right tackle Taylor Moton entering his age-32 campaign. The Panthers signed free agent Raheem Walker to a one-year, "prove it" contract and is expected to hold down the LT1 role in 2026.

As he welcomed Freeling to his new home, Morgan hinted Thursday night that he could add another offensive-line prospect during the later rounds of the draft.