NFL expert grades for Panthers' pick of OT Monroe Freeling

The Carolina Panthers walked away from the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft believing they hit a home run with their choice of offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. Just ask general manager Dan Morgan, head coach Dave Canales and even quarterback Bryce Young. But of course they thought they nailed the pick.

They made it. So perhaps we should get a little outside perspective about their use of this year's 19th overall selection. Here are some early expert grades on the team's investment in the 6-foot-7, 315-pound hog molly .

. . Scott Dochterman ( The Athletic ): B Vinnie Iyer ( Sporting News ): A Danny Kelly ( The Ringer ): B+ Charles McDonald ( Yahoo Sports ): B+ Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz ( USA Today ): B Rob Rang ( FOX Sports ): B Mike Renner ( CBS Sports ): B+ Mark Schofield ( SB Nation ): B+ Brent Sobleski ( Bleacher Report ): C Matt Verderame ( Sports Illustrated ): B- Hayden Winks ( Underdog Sports ): A+ Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL draft grades: Experts weigh in on Panthers' Monroe Freeling pick