Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Tech’s Keylan Rutledge taken in first round of NFL drat

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Two of Georgia’s biggest programs sent a powerful message from the trenches Thursday night.

The University of Georgia and Georgia Tech each produced first-round offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft, as Monroe Freeling and Keylan Rutledge heard their names called among the top picks.

Freeling, a 6-foot-7, 318-pound tackle from Charleston, S.C., was selected by the Carolina Panthers, continuing Georgia’s remarkable run of first-round success. The Bulldogs have now had at least one first-round pick in nine straight drafts under head coach Kirby Smart.

Freeling’s selection also extended Georgia’s dominance along the offensive line. He became the latest in a steady pipeline of NFL-ready blockers, giving the Bulldogs nine consecutive years with an offensive lineman drafted.

A three-year contributor, Freeling started 17 games and appeared in 36 during his career. He earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2025 and twice was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week while helping lead Georgia to another conference championship and College Football Playoff appearance. His protection was a key factor in quarterback Gunner Stockton completing nearly 70 percent of his passes last season.

Across the state, Rutledge’s moment marked a long-awaited return to prominence for Georgia Tech.

The 6-4, 330-pound guard was taken No. 26 overall by the Houston Texans, becoming the Yellow Jackets’ first first-round pick since 2010. Houston traded up to secure Rutledge, underscoring his value as one of the top interior linemen in the draft.

Known as “Big Red,” Rutledge capped a remarkable journey that included overcoming a devastating car accident in 2023 that nearly cost him his left foot. Just two years later, he stood as one of college football’s most decorated linemen, earning first-team All-America honors in both 2024 and 2025.

Rutledge anchored a Georgia Tech offensive line that ranked among the nation’s best last season, helping the Yellow Jackets finish 21st in rushing offense and third nationally in fewest sacks allowed. Individually, he did not surrender a sack in 872 snaps, further solidifying his reputation as an elite pass protector.

His resilience and performance also earned him the ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award, given to the conference’s most courageous player.

Together, Freeling and Rutledge highlighted the strength of football in the state of Georgia — particularly up front — as both programs continue to produce impact players for the next level.