​Former Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney steered the franchise through two eventful eras, first from 2002 to 2012 and then from 2017 to 2020. In his initial tenure, the Panthers reached the Super Bowl early on, showcasing the team’s potential. Yet during his second stint, the organization endured some of its toughest seasons. While his overall track record as an executive is a mix of highs and lows, one constant is undeniable: Hurney has a history of hitting on high-impact first-round selections in the NFL draft.
Hurney’s most notable successes include Hall of Famers Julius Peppers and Luke Kuechly, along with franchise pillars Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, Jordan Gross, Ryan Kalil, Thomas Davis, and Chris Gamble. In more recent years, he helped bring in running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver DJ Moore, outside linebacker Brian Burns, and defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who remains a standout on the current roster.
Given that track record, it’s intriguing to hear Hurney’s thoughts on Carolina’s latest first-round pick, left tackle Monroe Freeling. Hurney calls him a “special” prospect, a view echoed by NFL insider Jason La Canfora. “You have to be so stout up front to create those visual passing lanes, and now adding this kid from Georgia [Freeling], he fits Young perfectly,” Hurney remarked. “Not only is he tall and long, with long arms, but if you watch this guy pass block in space, the way he attacks, he can drive a guy back five yards and not lose his hands—that’s special. He needs to increase his core strength a bit, but he does have an anchor. That’s a great pick for them. He might end up being the best tackle in that draft.”
As the Panthers move forward, Freeling is already stepping into a pivotal role. To begin his professional career, he is competing with veteran Rasheed Walker for the starting job at left tackle in place of the injured Ikem Ekwonu. Walker’s veteran knowledge could give him an edge, and he is expected to receive first-team reps when training camp opens in the coming weeks, though the competition remains unresolved. Freeling has also logged snaps at right tackle, a reflection of Carolina’s pragmatic approach to his development. That versatility positions him as the next man up should 10-year veteran Taylor Moton suffer an injury, ensuring the Panthers have a capable option at multiple spots on the line.
Regardless of his immediate role, Freeling’s elite physical tools position him as a logical long-term starter at left tackle for the franchise. For more Panthers content, follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X. This report originally appeared on Panthers Wire, highlighting Hurney’s perspective on the team’s latest first-round pick and its implications for the future.