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Panthers' 2026 1st-round pick receives harsh midseason grade
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- Panthers' 2026 1st-round pick receives harsh midseason grade
Draft picks need at least two years in the NFL before you can fairly judge them and where their career might be headed. Half of a season is certainly not enough for any definitive verdict.
However, the early returns for the Carolina Panthers ' 2026 first-round selection Monroe Freeling have been a little less than we'd hoped for.
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According to Ryan Wilson at CBS Sports, Freeling deserves a 'C-' grade at the halfway point of his rookie year. Wilson writes:
Freeling deserves credit for responding well when Carolina needed him earlier than expected, and at a position (RT) he didn't play in college. A knee injury hasn't helped his development, and right now, he's more of a developmental prospect than a reliable starter.
He's no Lane Johnson, but this grade feels a bit harsh.
First, Freeling is playing a new position. While he did play some snaps at right tackle in college, the vast majority of his work was at left tackle—where Rasheed Walker is currently floundering. Carolina should seriously consider moving Freeling over to the blindside and benching Walker.
In any case, it's extremely rare for rookies, especially offensive linemen and defensive backs, to hit the ground running at this level. Freeling, as was the thought by many when he was drafted, deserves more time to grow into his game and his frame.
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The first time to really evaluate Freeling isn't until his second season begins, where we could see a lot of improvement. Until he misses the window for that critical sophomore leap, there's no cause for concern.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers' 2026 1st-round pick receives harsh midseason grade
