Panthers' rookie Monroe Freeling grinding for Week 1 start

The two pass-rush drills looked eerily similar, with Carolina Panthers rookie offensive lineman Monroe Freeling looking vulnerable on outside speed rushes.

First, it was sophomore Nic Scourton cleanly beating the No. 19 overall draft pick by anticipating the quarterback count and darting past the slow-starting pass protector last June during offseason training activities (OTAs).

A few days later, sophomore Princely Umanmielen pulled off an identical move. Both times, Freeling lined up at left tackle and appeared flat-footed in his first movements after the snap. By the time he was positioned to deflect the rush attempts, both Scourton and Umanmielen created left-shoulder leverage and coasted uncontested toward quarterback Bryce Young. 

During the controlled environments, quarterbacks, wearing red jerseys, remain off-limits. If the plays were live, Young likely would have been sacked on blindside hits without an opportunity to set up in the pocket.

Panthers coach Dave Canales, speaking before the end of NFL mandatory minicamp on June 11, did not sound overly concerned with Freeling's footwork.

"First of all, give Nic and Princely their due," Canales said. "These are guys who are in their second offseason (OTAs) and two really talented players. Which is exactly what we want. This is what we talk about.

"We make us."  

Panthers' Monroe Freeling gaining on-field experience

The Panthers drafted Freeling out of need. Insisting throughout the draft process that general manager Dan Morgan would "pick the best player available," the roster's need was apparent. 

With starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) sidelined at least through the first half of 2026 and right tackle Taylor Moton entering his age-31 season, the organization recognized the need to infuse the offensive line room with blue-chip talent. The former Georgia standout's selection held little shock value on draft night.

The pick for need increased in value after Tuesday's announcement that Moton is continuing treatment for blood clots in the lungs, which should sideline the nine-year veteran for several weeks, potentially extending into the regular season. 

MORE: Panthers RT Taylor Moton diagnosed with scary medical condition

After rotating between left and right tackle during OTAs, Freeling likely will get the first shot at winning the starting role, opposite free-agent veteran Rasheed Walker. 

The Panthers, along with the Arizona Cardinals, opened training camp on Wednesday. The teams will meet in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 6.

The defending NFC South-champion Panthers will stage their first training camp practice Thursday at the fields behind Bank of America Stadium. Canales will get his first look at the new-look offensive line and analyze Freeling's adjustments.

"We make us right on the practice field, going 100 mph, challenging each other with different moves to expose things we need to work on and to hone our craft," Canales said. "That's exactly what Monroe needs right now ... going against guys like that. Going against Jaelan Phillips and going against Pat Jones, a veteran guy who has got all the moves and the setups.  

"To face that every day, in this setting, is so good for him."

Will he be ready to start at right tackle for the Week 1 clash against the visiting Chicago Bears on Sept. 13? 

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• With Rico Dowdle gone, Panthers need production from backup RBs
• 2026 NFL Draft: Why Panthers selected Georgia OT Monroe Freeling in first round