Monroe Freeling — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

The Eagles tend to fortify positions before a desperate situation develops. Freeling could be two-time first-team All-Pro OT Lane Johnson's eventual successor.

The Lions informed the league they'd be open to fielding calls and trading down. Perhaps the teams below us didn't have service. Ultimately, the decision at No. 17 came down to Freeling and Auburn edge Keldric Faulk. Faulk might be Detroit's type as a powerful pocket crusher, but you could argue the Lions need an edge with a more refined pass-rush plan. Considering the depth at edge in this class compared with tackle, it felt right to address the offensive line here, with left tackle Taylor Decker mulling retirement. No. 21 in Brugler's top 100, Freeling (6-7, 315 pounds with 34-inch arms) looks the part of a franchise tackle and can really move in space. He'll also have former Georgia teammate and current Lions right guard Tate Ratledge to help ease the transition. There's also a chance Decker sticks around another year to mentor him.

Monroe Freeling doesn't have a wealth of experience, so there's a lot of projection here based on his length and athleticism. The combine could see him fly up boards or drop, depending on how he performs, but for the moment, this feels like a logical landing spot.

This draft would be a big success for the Browns if they landed two starting offensive linemen, as they do in this scenario with Freeling joining Spencer Fano. If Dawand Jones stays healthy, I think Fano could play inside.

With Taylor Decker's future uncertain, the Lions must shore up the left tackle spot. Freeling is a player I'm higher on than most draft analysts, ranking him third among offensive tackles. I believe he has a real shot to skyrocket his draft stock between now and April. Freeling has only 18 career starts and under 1,600 snaps played, but the upside is massive. He stands at nearly 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds with 35-inch arms; those measurables combined with great pass protection skills are hard to find. Freeling allowed only two sacks last season.

Freeling has been a big riser over the back half of the college season and might go even higher than this when this cycle is all said and done. He has good size with long arms and a frame that could add even more bulk. Freeling is an easy mover (his basketball background shows up constantly) whose technique and polish sharpened quickly after he got healthy this past season. He even showed improved strength and ability to anchor in the last month of the season, and that only adds to his appeal. Freeling might have played on the left side in college, but his athleticism should allow him to flip sides if needed. Howie Roseman loves investing in the trenches and this would give the Eagles a Lane Johnson succession plan, which is all the more important with master O-line coach Jeff Stoutland leaving the team.