Georgia's Monroe Freeling's Skyrocketing Draft Stock Could Reach Top 10

The NFL Draft process often features a lag between mock drafts and teams' internal evaluations, hurting the Eagles' chances of landing the top offensive tackle prospect.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:34pm

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The NFL Draft process frequently sees a noticeable lag between media mock drafts and the actual evaluations organizations are making internally. This is the case with Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, whose draft stock has skyrocketed and is now projected as a potential top-10 pick, likely putting him out of reach for the Philadelphia Eagles, who hold the 23rd overall selection.

Why it matters

The Eagles have an offensive line as a top priority in the draft, but the rise of Freeling's stock means they will likely need to look elsewhere for their tackle of the future, as he is now expected to be off the board well before their pick. This highlights the challenges teams face in adjusting their draft plans to account for prospects whose stock rapidly rises during the pre-draft process.

The details

Early in the 2026 draft cycle, Freeling wasn't frequently discussed as a first-round talent, but he is now a consensus first-rounder across major mock drafts, with an average projected landing spot closer to 10 than 20. Several prominent evaluators, including Mel Kiper Jr., have him as high as No. 6 overall, potentially leapfrogging Miami's Francis Mauigoa as the top tackle in the class. This puts Freeling well out of reach for the Eagles at 23.

  • In the early 2026 draft cycle, Freeling wasn't frequently discussed as a first-round talent.
  • Freeling is now a consensus first-rounder across major mock drafts, with an average projected landing spot closer to 10 than 20.

The players

Monroe Freeling

A highly athletic offensive tackle prospect from the University of Georgia who has seen his draft stock skyrocket, now projected as a potential top-10 pick.

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, who holds the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is looking to address the offensive line as a top priority.

Chris Kuper

The new offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, who is expected to bring a scheme that prioritizes movement, athleticism, and stretch-zone principles, potentially shifting the team's approach to evaluating offensive line prospects.

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What they’re saying

“I think that the way that we want to build our offensive line and how we want it to look from left to right, based on the players that we have at certain spots to complement them hasn't changed. Will there be maybe a little bit more emphasis on movement and athleticism, maybe a click? Maybe.”

— Howie Roseman, General Manager, Philadelphia Eagles

What’s next

The Eagles will need to adjust their draft strategy to account for Freeling's rapid rise, potentially targeting other athletic offensive tackle prospects who better fit the team's new offensive line scheme under Chris Kuper.

The takeaway

The NFL Draft process often features a lag between media projections and teams' internal evaluations, which can significantly impact a team's draft plans. The Eagles' need to address the offensive line is complicated by the unexpected rise of Georgia's Monroe Freeling, highlighting the challenges teams face in adapting their draft strategies to account for rapidly changing prospect valuations.