Panthers’ rookie OT Monroe Freeling growing into NFL role initially appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In the nook of the observe subject Saturday, Carolina Panthers rookie offensive sort out Monroe Freeling picked up the weighted bag, positioning it on his proper shoulder, hauling it over for the subsequent NFL rookie minicamp drill.
Advertisement
Knees bent, April’s No. 19 overall draft pick began shuffling his toes, following a coach’s hand instructions. With the heavy bag resting on his prolonged arms, Freeling executed the strength-and-balance drill earlier than handing the bag off to Isaia Glass.
Two practices into his profession, Freeling appeared greater and stronger to Panthers coach Dave Canales.
At Georgia, Freeling weighed between 310-315 kilos. He was about 10 kilos heavier for the two-day minicamp on the observe fields behind Bank of America Stadium.
“I mean, first of all, he looks great,” Canales stated. “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.”
Advertisement
Rookie Monroe Freeling filling out Panthers’ OL depth chart
The Panthers drafted Freeling as insurance coverage. With left sort out Ikem Ekwonu (knee) injured and anticipated to overlook at the very least half of subsequent season and proper sort out Taylor Moton getting into his age-32 season, Panthers common supervisor Dan Morgan strengthened the offensive line room with a 21-year-old prospect not anticipated to play starter snaps.
Morgan signed free agent Rasheed Walker to a one-year contract and enters the offseason program because the presumed starter at left sort out. Freeling is not going to redshirt, however beneath the very best circumstances, he may have time to develop on the second group.
“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.”
Advertisement
Following Friday’s practice, Freeling’s first on-field actions since Georgia’s postseason loss final 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.”