Panthers celebrate as Lions pass on Monroe Freeling in NFL Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 12:45 PM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers expressed relief and excitement when the Detroit Lions selected Blake Miller instead of Monroe Freeling. The Panthers, who chose Freeling at 19th overall, observed the Lions closely, considering a trade to secure Freeling. Despite the Lions' choice, the Panthers were confident in their analytics-driven strategy and celebrated upon learning Freeling would be available.
- •Panthers selected Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick.
- •Lions chose Blake Miller at 17th overall, bypassing Freeling.
- •Panthers analyzed player probabilities throughout the draft process.
- •Carolina initially considered trading up to select Freeling.
- •Panthers' excitement grew upon confirmation of their pick.
- 12:45 PMYahoo Sports — Carolina Panthers video shows they were happy Lions didn’t draft Monroe Freeling
"It appears the Carolina Panthers had a clear preference to Monroe Freeling over Lions draft pick Blake Miller.
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