The Cleveland Browns have been on the hunt for a true successor at left tackle ever since Joe Thomas hung up his cleats in 2018. That’s a long time to be searching for stability at one of the most critical positions in football.
But there’s a name out of Georgia that’s starting to generate real buzz - Monroe Freeling. And while he may have arrived a little late to the spotlight, his upside is turning heads at just the right time.
Freeling checks all the boxes from a physical standpoint. At 6’7” and around 315 pounds, he’s built like the prototype - long, lean, and athletic.
But what really pops on tape is how fluid he is for his size. He’s not just big; he’s fast.
His first step out of his stance is explosive, giving him a clear edge in pass protection and helping him seal off defenders before they can even get into their rush. That kind of quickness is rare, even among top-tier tackle prospects.
Watch him on screens or outside zone runs, and you’ll see what scouts are raving about. Freeling moves like a tight end in space - gliding to the second and third levels with ease, locking onto linebackers and safeties like he’s been doing it for years.
That kind of mobility is tailor-made for today’s NFL, where offensive tackles are asked to do more than just hold the edge. They need to be athletes, and Freeling fits that mold as well as anyone in this draft class.
Now, let’s be clear - he’s not a finished product. His technique still needs refinement, and he’ll need to pack on a bit more functional strength to consistently anchor against NFL power rushers.
But those are coachable traits. The raw tools - the size, the footwork, the balance, the athleticism - are already there.
And that’s exactly where new Browns offensive line coach George Warhop comes in. Warhop has a reputation for developing young linemen, and if he can help Freeling sharpen his hand placement and add a little more pop to his punch, the Browns might finally have their long-term answer at left tackle.
With picks No. 24 and No. 39 in the upcoming draft, Cleveland is in prime position to address the offensive line early. And given how crucial that spot is - especially for a team looking to protect a major investment at quarterback - Freeling could be more than just a fit. He might be the solution they’ve been waiting on for nearly a decade.
The Combine is going to be a big moment for him. If he tests the way many expect, don’t be surprised if his stock takes off. Athletic tackles with Freeling’s ceiling don’t come around often - and when they do, they don’t stay on the board for long.