The Carolina Panthers selected University of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. The 21-year-old stands at an enormous 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, and he'll take the next step in his football career as a big body to help the Panthers up front in front of quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers are taking a bit of a risk with this pick, just based on the fact that Freeling only started one season with the Bulldogs. Freeling's specific position in his first year in the NFL will depend largely on the health of Ikem Ekwonu (knee), who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his knee. If needed, the Panthers could plug Freeling on Young's blind side right away, which would put a lot of pressure on the young offensive tackle. What Freeling lacks in experience, he can easily make up for with elite athleticism for his hulking size. He has the potential to be a franchise-changing left tackle.

The Minnesota Vikings took University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks (foot) with the 18th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. Banks stands at a hulking 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, but he can do things on a football field that aren't typically associated with interior defensive linemen. Banks impressed with a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and 114-inch broad jump at the NFL scouting combine. The 23-year-old defensive tackle had a total of 6.5 sacks in his five collegiate seasons (his first two came at Louisville). A fractured foot that Banks suffered at the combine in February isn't expected to affect his availability for the start of his rookie season in the NFL. Banks had recurring foot injuries during his final collegiate season, which limited him to just three games played. The Vikings chose to overlook his foot issues in favor of his elite physical traits. If healthy, Banks could be a massive interior-line asset for the Vikes as a run-stopper and pocket pusher.

The Detroit Lions selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. The 22-year-old right tackle never missed a game in his four collegiate seasons with the Tigers. The 6-foot-7, 317-pounder is super competitive and is a mauler in the running game. The Lions definitely needed to address their offensive line early in this year's draft, and they have definitely done so with the selection of Miller. His presence on the O-line is great news for both quarterback Jared Goff and do-it-all running back Jahmyr Gibbs. With Penei Sewell moving to left tackle, Miller should immediately be a starter on the right side of the offensive line from the get-go in his rookie season in 2026. He's an iron man with no durability question marks, and he comes with a lot of experience. One of the few knocks on Miller is that he can often times play too upright, so that will need to be cleaned up when going against elite edge rushers.

The New York Jets have selected Oregon tight end prospect Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's a bit of a surprising development, especially since the Jets drafted tight end Mason Taylor in the second round of last year's draft. This addition doesn't necessarily spell disaster for Taylor, though, as the Jets could benefit from running two-tight end sets. With that being said, Sadiq should immediately slot in as the Jets' No. 1 tight end, offering another key threat for Geno Smith in the passing game alongside wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Sadiq had 51 catches, 560 yards, and eight touchdowns during his final season with the Ducks. There had been rumblings about him going to the Panthers at No. 19 overall, but in the end, he didn't even make it that far. The Jets will face some growing pains with Smith at quarterback this year, but New York has made a respectable effort to build out a young core within its offense so that they can compete in years down the road. As a result, Sadiq has long-term upside, ranking as the TE9 overall in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.