Panthers' rookie OT Monroe Freeling growing into NFL role

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In the corner of the practice field Saturday, Carolina Panthers rookie offensive tackle Monroe Freeling picked up the weighted bag, positioning it on his right shoulder, hauling it over for the next NFL rookie minicamp drill.

Knees bent, April's No. 19 overall draft pick started shuffling his feet, following a coach's hand directions. With the heavy bag resting on his extended arms, Freeling executed the strength-and-balance drill before handing the bag off to Isaia Glass.

Two practices into his career, Freeling appeared bigger and stronger to Panthers coach Dave Canales. 

At Georgia, Freeling weighed between 310-315 pounds. He was about 10 pounds heavier for the two-day minicamp at the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium.

"I mean, first of all, he looks great," Canales said. "He's been working really hard, just trying to continue to increase his strength. He showed up about 325 and looked great, moved well, showed the length and all the things."

Rookie Monroe Freeling filling out Panthers' OL depth chart

The Panthers drafted Freeling as insurance. With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) injured and expected to miss at least half of next season and right tackle Taylor Moton entering his age-32 season, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan reinforced the offensive line room with a 21-year-old prospect not expected to play starter snaps.

Morgan signed free agent Rasheed Walker to a one-year contract and enters the offseason program as the presumed starter at left tackle. Freeling will not redshirt, but under the best circumstances, he will have time to develop on the second team.

"He's still growing into whatever his frame is," Canales said. "We know, seasons get long and guys have a chance to settle in and focus on some things and the work showed up."

Following Friday's practice, Freeling's first on-field activities since Georgia's postseason loss last January, he complimented offensive line coach Joe Gilbert for screaming at him in his face. 

He missed it.

"I'm pretty used to getting screamed at by a coach," Freeling said. "I told (Gilbert) after practice, I've missed getting screamed at by a coach. It's good to be back."