March 28, 2026, 12:19 p.m. ET
Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling has shot up 2026 NFL draft boards following Georgia’s loss to the Ole Miss Rebels in the Sugar Bowl. Freeling has impressive tape and an incredible combination of size and athleticism that he displayed at the NFL combine.
Freeling’s biggest knock is his lack of starting experience. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle finished his Georgia career with 17 starts and 35 appearances, but he did not receive a ton of snaps until his junior season at Georgia.
Freeling may need some time to adjust to the speed of the NFL game. Freeling went up against elite competition during his time at Georgia, but life in the NFL is even more difficult. However, he has a strong foundation and is expected to be first-round pick. In fact, a recent mock draft has him going at the No. 13 pick.
Monroe Freeling’s NFL player comparison
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares Freeling to former Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Broderick Jones, who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones, the No. 14 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, needed some time to adjust to the NFL and started 11 of 17 games as a rookie. Since then, Jones has started 27 of the 28 games he has appeared in with Pittsburgh. Jones is set to land a significant contract in the future as long as he stays healthy.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Zierlein notes that Freeling has the “coveted length and athleticism at right tackle” that NFL teams are looking for, but he adds that Freeling could add strength and improve his technique. Zierlein warns that Freeling has “some buyer beware tape” from his time at Georgia. Despite these concerns, NFL.com projects Freeling to eventually be a plus starter in the NFL.
Freeling and Broderick Jones actually never overlapped during their time at Georgia. Freeling would be happy to develop into an NFL starter like Jones. Both players have immense athleticism and length that you can’t teach.
Follow UGA Wire on Instagram or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!