2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Monroe Freeling (OT – Georgia)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Georgia OT Monroe Freeling.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Monroe Freeling

Monroe Freeling (OT – Georgia)

6’7″ – 315 lbs.

Background

Four-star recruit who played 167 snaps as a true freshman, with a roughly 2:1 ratio between right and left tackle, then started the last five games of the 2024 season at left tackle, totaling 609 snaps on the year and allowing three sacks, three hits, and fifteen hurries, per PFF. Allowed 3-0-6 this past year as Georgia’s starting right tackle.

Positives

Relatively tall, thickly-built left tackle who comes from a balanced SEC offense. Smooth, rangy athlete who looks natural when asked to pull or climb in the run game and can execute a variety of different assignments. Has good power in his hands to jolt defenders on contact. Able to fire out low and churn his feet to generate movement. Plays the game with a nasty streak, showing excellent effort through the whistle and the killer instinct to finish opponents when given an opportunity. The team felt comfortable leaving him on an island on passing downs. Shows the quickness and agility to get depth and protect the edge against speed rushers. Sets up with a wide base in pass protection. Drops an early anchor to handle power, and looks most comfortable when blocking straightforward bull rusher types. Shows good lateral quickness to chip one defender and recover to block another. Proactive with his punch, and does a good job of resetting his hands.

Negatives

Not quite as experienced as some of the other top tackles in the class, only taking over a starting role toward the end of the 2024 season. Not the most consistent at playing within his frame; length measurements could be interesting. Can be a bit of a leaner at times, which causes him to fall off of blocks. Ability to sustain is just adequate at this point, owing to aggressiveness/balance issues; works hard, but doesn’t have the strongest grip or most consistent positioning. Can occasionally overset a bit and fall off of some of his passing-down blocks, creating opportunities for second-effort pressures inside. Would like to see more patience on passing downs as well; lowers his head/bends at the waist in an effort to reach defenders before they’re within striking distance.

Summary

A big, physical blocker with an aggressive, rangy style of play, he offers impressive versatility in the run game and has the lateral quickness and anchor strength to protect the edge on passing downs. However, in his urgency to engage opponents, has a tendency to play outside of his frame, leading to issues with balance which cause him to fall off of more blocks than you’d like. Currently appears to be in the first-round mix, although it might be a bit risky to draft him that high. Could theoretically stay at tackle or kick inside to guard.

Projection: Round 2