The Cleveland Browns have been strongly linked to selecting Carnell Tate in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft; however, there’s a call for them to go in another direction at No. 6 overall. Given their offensive shortcomings last season, experts are linking the team to offensive prospects in this draft.
Why the Browns Are Predicted to Select OT Monroe Freeling at No. 6
The Browns surrendered among the most sacks in the NFL last season, demonstrating a clear need for offensive line help. While a top-tier wide receiver like Tate should add value to head coach Todd Monken’s offense, securing the pocket is arguably a bigger need.
During the latest episode of the “Football Debate Club,” PFSN’s NFL draft analyst Jacob Infante made a case for Cleveland to go after 21-year-old Monroe Freeling as a means to stabilize the offense.
“I could go tackle or receiver [at No. 6],” he said on the show. “I think it should be offense. The way I look at it is I think you’re going to get a good receiver at No. 24. I don’t know if you’re going to get a great tackle at No. 24, so I’m going to take a tackle while I can. I’m going to go Monroe Freeling here. This is one where it’s definitely an upside play, for sure, with him only being a one-year starter.”
Freeling might only be a one-year starter, but he spent three years in Kirby Smart’s system at Georgia, which has produced plenty of O-line talent in the NFL. He featured in a total of 37 college games across the offensive line since 2023.
“He’s such a natural mover,” Infante added. “He performed very well against SEC-level competition. His fluidity and his above-average flexibility for such a big guy are serious tools as a left tackle. And it helps that he’s a natural left tackle. Other guys like Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano, they’re right tackles. To me, Freeling is the best pure left tackle in this class.”
The left tackle will play a key role in securing either Shedeur Sanders’ or Deshaun Watson’s backside next season. Monken will have to construct a solid offensive line to compete in the AFC North in 2026.
Freeling nonetheless has the skill set to be a sound starter in the pros, and PFSN is high on his stock, locking him as the No. 3 OT in this class.
“His hand usage palette is still fairly basic at this stage; he can win more often than not with his sheer athleticism and reach,” PFSN’s scouting report noted. “Still, Freeling has an incredibly strong foundation of inherent athleticism and soft skills; he’s angle-sound and disciplined in the run game, and in time, he can grow to become an impact starter across both phases.”
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On PFSN’s Consensus Big Board, Freeling holds an 88.35 grade, ranking No. 26 overall and projecting as a first-round selection. With the draft being a day away, it’ll be interesting to see which way Cleveland tilts on Thursday night.
