Monroe Freeling's emotional draft call with the Carolina Panthers
Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling had an emotional NFL draft call with the Carolina Panthers, keeping him close to home.
Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling had an emotional NFL draft call with the Carolina Panthers after the Panthers elected to pick Freeling with the No. 19 selection in the first-round of the draft. Freeling, a Charleston, South Carolina, native gets to stay in the Carolinas and won't be far from the University of Georgia for the start his NFL career.
With the Panthers, Freeling won't have the pressure to start right away, unless there's a significant injury. That will help Freeling transition to the NFL. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle is arguably the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft, but is working to refine his technique.
Draft night is always an emotional night and it was no different for Freeling, who was watching the draft with his family in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan called Freeling to deliver the good news that Carolina was picking Freeling. An elated Freeling also spoke with owner David Tepper and coach Dave Canales.
"How would you feel about being a Panther, man? " Morgan asked. "(Expletive) amazing, actually," Freeling said.