I think if you just watch film from this season you certainly dont give him a 1st round grade. What you do see is tremendous pontetial, both athletic and in technique, he has come a loooong way and the senior bowl week was fantastic. That report is from november so i can definitely understand.
You're spot on though, is perfect for us because he can learn for a year behind moses, get in some jumbo packages and get a few snaps. Who knows how he progresses, maybe he even steals the job earlier.
But if Freeling is there, i think you have to take him. Its so hard to find good tackles in this league, i wouldnt pass on the opportunity.