Top insider's predictive mock draft has Panthers landing potential franchise pillar
Based off what he's hearing, NFL insider Peter Schrager connects the Panthers to an intriguing prospect in his first mock draft of 2026.
One of the most plugged-in insiders has connected the Carolina Panthers to a potential franchise pillar. ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager offered up his first of two predictive mock drafts on Tuesday. And based off what he's hearing, the Panthers seemingly have a chance at lucking into University of Georgia left tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick: Freeling's physical traits are going to get some attention this month.
He's 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds with long 34¾-inch arms, and he has the quicks, running a 4. 93-second 40. Freeling has played both left and right tackle, too.
He could be a key long-term building block for Carolina in protecting for Bryce Young and opening holes for Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks. The Panthers may not need Freeling right away, even with starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a torn patellar tendon. Free-agent signee and former Green Bay Packer Rasheed Walker is likely to start in Ekwonu's stead on the blindside, at least to start the campaign, while right tackle Taylor Moton is still going strong into his 10th pro season.
Freeling could, however, slot into either side for 2027. Neither Ekwonu nor Walker are under contract beyond this year and Moton may be a cap casualty next offseason—as a release would save the Panthers approximately $14. 5 million.