The Cleveland Browns have been desperately trying to find a franchise left tackle since Hall of Famer Joe Thomas retired in 2017. This year’s tackle class isn’t as strong as some we have seen in recent years, but there are a few guys who are talented enough to be a franchise tackle.

One of the biggest risers in this year’s class is left tackle Monroe Freeling of Georgia, who wasn’t on my radar coming into the season but has proven to be an NFL-caliber prospect. Let’s dive into Freeling’s scouting report: his strengths, areas of concern, and draft grade.

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Strengths:

Great Mirror Technique vs Speed Rushers

When you talk about guys with high upside and tools to be great players if they reach their full potential, Monroe Freeling would be at the top of that list. He’s a fluid mover who is awesome in space and does a great job climbing to the second level as a blocker in the run game. Overall, he’s a top-shelf athlete at the position with a massive wingspan of 84 inches.

Freeling might be one of the better pass blockers in the entire class. With his length and athleticism, he handles speed rushers very well. He also does a good job using his length to strong-arm power rushers and lock them into place, even without elite-level power himself. This season for Georgia, Freeling played a total of 390 pass blocking snaps, allowing a total of six pressures and two sacks.

Weaknesses/Areas of Concern:

Average Run Blocker/Needs to fill out his frame

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Freeling does a good job anchoring against power and is a decent run blocker, but he could use more mass and muscle to take his run blocking to an elite level. He isn’t a people mover in the run game, and his frame has plenty of room for added mass.

At his height and with his length, he should win the leverage battle more times than not, but his pad level can be inconsistent. He gets a little stiff in the hips when he is in space as a run blocker, which is another reason he is an average, not great, run blocker.

Grade: First Round

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Monroe Freeling Draft Profile