The Carolina Panthers selected University of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Freeling, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound lineman from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, met with reporters after the selection and said he already has ties to Charlotte.
“My older brother went to school in Charlotte — he went to Queens in Charlotte — so it’s like a cycle almost,” Freeling said. “I’m going up there too, and now I get to stay three hours from home and basically stay at home. I didn’t do that through the college recruiting process, so I guess I owe it to my Carolina fans.”
Freeling could have an immediate impact for the Panthers. Left tackle Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu is recovering from a knee injury.
Rounds two and three of the NFL Draft are Friday. The Panthers hold the 51st and 83rd overall picks.
