The Carolina Panthers' rookie offensive tackle Monroe Freeling has already made a strong impression on head coach Dave Canales—and it's not just his technique that's turning heads. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound first-round pick has reportedly added some extra mass, showing a commitment to his craft that has the coaching staff excited.
After Saturday's installment of rookie minicamp, Canales shared his early observations on Freeling, who was selected 19th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. "He looks great," Canales told reporters. "He's been working really hard. Just trying to continue to increase his strength and do those things. Showed up, I think he was about 325 pounds—and looked great, moved well, showed the length and all the things."
The weight gain wasn't a directive from the Panthers' brass, but rather a personal initiative from Freeling himself. "Not really, that was just kind of an emphasis of his," Canales explained. "The guy's 21 years old—so he's still growing into whatever his frame is. I think he played somewhere in the 310's-ish—or something like that, 315—during the season. But as we know, seasons get long and guys have a chance to settle in and focus on things, and the work showed up. He looks great, he's moving well—so, really pleased with that."
Freeling, a second-team All-SEC selection, was widely regarded as the best true left tackle prospect in his draft class. His fit as a rookie might be a question mark, given that Carolina signed top free-agent left tackle Rasheed Walker as insurance for starter Ikem Ekwonu. However, his physical transformation and performance have provided encouraging answers for the Panthers' coaching staff—and for fans eager to see the team's future anchor on the offensive line.
For a big man like Freeling, adding mass while maintaining mobility is no small feat. It's a testament to his work ethic and dedication, qualities that should serve him well as he transitions to the pros. Whether he cracks the starting lineup this season or develops behind veteran talent, Freeling is showing he's ready to put in the work.