The Carolina Panthers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear mission: shore up their offensive line. And according to a new ESPN report, they were laser-focused on finding a tackle on Day 1—making it a "tackle or bust" strategy for the NFC South champions.

While the Panthers ultimately selected Georgia's Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revealed that two other hog mollies were high on their radar. Alabama's Kadyn Proctor was a prime target, with Carolina prepared to snag him if he slipped to No. 19. However, the Miami Dolphins had other plans, scooping up Proctor at the 12th spot—seven picks before the Panthers were on the clock.

Utah's Caleb Lomu also made the Panthers' short list. The versatile lineman eventually went to the New England Patriots at pick No. 28, meaning Carolina had to pivot to their top choice: Freeling.

Freeling, widely regarded as the best true left tackle prospect in the class, now steps into a critical role. He'll compete with free-agent addition Rasheed Walker for the blindside job, especially with usual starter Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a torn patellar tendon. For Panthers fans, the draft-day drama signals a renewed commitment to protecting the quarterback and dominating in the trenches.