English
Español
Deutsch
Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, and his athleticism is the primary reason. He showcased his athleticism at the 2026 NFL combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Freeling ran the 40-yard dash in 4.93 seconds, the fifth-lowest time among all offensive linemen. His 10-yard split of 1.71 seconds ranks second to Alabama center Parker Brailsford. His vertical jump of 33.50" ranks fifth as well, and his broad jump of nine feet and seven inches is tied for third. He also became the first player in NFL combine history to stand at least 6-foot-7, weigh 315 pounds, and post a sub-5.00 40-yard dash, a vertical jump over 30 inches, and a broad jump over nine feet.
Following Freeling's combine performance, USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz labeled Freeling as a combine winner. He says Freeling has "all the tools to hang at offensive tackle" in the NFL.
"It wasn't too long ago that the late first round seemed like a stretch," Middlehurst-Schwartz said. "Now, the top half of Day 1 (the first-round) looks entirely reasonable for Freeling."
Freeling emerged as a starting tackle in the 2024 college football season after taking over for Earnest Greene III. He started four games, but he was a weak spot in the offensive line in Georgia's 23-10 loss to Notre Dame. He posted a 60.3 PFF grade in that loss.
In 2025, he earned the starting job at left tackle, and he thrived. He started all 14 Georgia games, despite sustaining a preseason injury. He had a 72.1 PFF grade, including a great 85.6 pass-blocking grade. He allowed just nine pressures and three sacks on the season. He also drew just two penalties on the season. As a result, he was a member of the coaches' All-SEC second-team
The biggest reasons Freeling is so highly thought of in draft circles is his size, technique and athleticism. He weighs 315 pounds and stands at 6-foot-7, which are excellent measurements. His performance at the NFL combine gave him an unofficial 9.99 Raw Athletic Score, ranking him second among all offensive linemen who've tested at the NFL combine since 1987.
Monroe Freeling's 40-yard dash at NFL combine
Monroe Freeling improves his 40 time to 4.93u 🔥#NFLCombine on @nflnetwork#GoDawgspic.twitter.com/OWqsaZkN29
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) March 1, 2026
Follow UGA Wire on Instagram or Threads for more Georgia football NFL draft coverage!
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia football OT named as winner of NFL combine