Browns 2026 NFL draft: OT Austin Barber has the versatility to play many roles

Take a look at the final 2025 offensive line rankings in the NFL. Where did the Cleveland Browns rank? Try #32. That’s out of 32 teams. So, dead friggin’ last.

This is an offensive line group that just a few years ago was ranked #3 in the league. Which is pretty sad.

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And it’s not like the Browns didn’t have some good running backs. However, rookie second-round draft pick Quinshon Judkins missed several games to begin the year, and then became injured so he missed time at the end of the schedule. Veteran Jerome Ford was a non-factor, and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson had his moments but didn’t put fear into any defensive units.

The offensive line could very well be five new players in 2026. The need for quality offensive tackles is very real.

At the Senior Bowl, there were several very good prospects. Florida OT Austin Barber was one of the best tackles at this All-Star game and had a very good practice week.

The Browns need some help along the offensive line, whether that is through free agency or by taking some new guys in the NFL draft.

Dawgs by Nature staff writer Barry Shuck was at the Senior Bowl this past week. He interviewed Barber during the practice week. Last year, he was named Third Team All-SEC.

OT Austin Barber (6’-6”, 314 pounds)

Florida

Projection: Round 4

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Shuck: You played left tackle at Florida. What is your off-season process?

Barber: Find an agent first. Then, where to train and take that process. At Florida, the nutritionist put me on a regimented diet, and I have to try to keep that going and not go wild with eating stuff that is not going to help me.

Shuck: In 2023, you had a shoulder injury. What was the rehab like, and do you have any repercussions from that?

Barber: It was a long process, especially playing offensive line. I use my upper body a lot. The rehab process went great with the guys we have in the training room. They were well-oriented with what was wrong with me and my rehab. I felt confident every single day going in. I took advantage of the training room day-in and day out. The cryo was great. Some days were harder than others. I was 100% healthy this past season and right now.

Shuck: You had a lot of college offers coming out of high school. How did you end up at Florida?

Barber: I was recruited by Miami, Ole Miss, Minnesota, and then Florida came in really late. For me, growing up a big Florida fan in Jacksonville, my whole family bleeds orange and blue. As a kid, coming to games and seeing all the traditions and all the great names of guys before me. I knew where I wanted to go from the beginning, and the minute I got the chance to play, I signed the papers the same day they offered me. It was a quick decision. My family is very family-oriented. It’s about the journey.

Shuck: A lot of college stadiums are really loud. With an away game, how was your offense able to converse?

Barber: It’s pretty difficult being the offense because we are communication-based. Especially with the five guys along the offensive line. Then you add the quarterback and being able to hear him, and the running backs have to hear what’s going on. But we prepared for loud stadiums. Our coaches did a great job of doing things to get us in the right situation where we really didn’t need verbal communication. Fans in a lot of stadiums are really loud, so it gets really tough sometimes.

Shuck: You play tackle along the offensive line, but really, you aren’t one guy; you’re part of a group of five guys. Why is it important for offensive linemen to bond and form a unified unit?

Barber: I am here this week with my roommate, Jake Slaughter. We knew each other in high school, playing for different schools. The relationship with the other members along the offensive line is so important. We help each other, even the younger guys who come into the room. We become a close-knit group. You build a bond that’s unbreakable with the entire room. It’s very important. You can say things to each other that others might take personally, but for us, it’s the best thing for the player who needs to hear it. Adversity is going to hit, and you need foxhole guys.

Shuck: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?

Barber: When you look at the Senior Bowl historically, it’s a great place for prospects to improve their pre-draft stock. There’s a proven history there. If you go there and play well against the best of the best, it’ll ultimately help you. I would love to come into this week projected for a certain round, and leave jumping up at least one round.

Shuck: You have played a lot of positions along the offensive line. Is that what you have on your own scouting report?

Barber: I want to prove that I’m a versatile player and then perform at the highest level. The first time I ever got on the field at Florida, it was at right tackle. I started five games in 2022 there. Then, all last season I was at left tackle. I want to show that I can still play on either side. I want to prove to NFL teams that I can play both left and right tackle. I love football first and foremost. I’m a tough player. I’m a good leader. I always put the team first. In every situation, I’m a team-first guy. I feel like I’ve improved in every single season. I’m still working to get better, but I have a nice, clean pass set. I’d say I’m a pretty damn good prospect.

Shuck: What will NFL coaches and scouts be saying about you when they leave the Senior Bowl?

Barber: I love showcasing my agility and am a fast learner. I just plan on putting my best foot forward. I’m going to work through the areas of my game that require improvement. I want to prove I can do those things. A lot of times when playing offensive tackle, you’re going up against the fastest guys on the defensive line, and I am going out there with confidence. I want to show I can play both left and right tackle and win reps at both.

Shuck: After a disappointing loss in a big game, how do you regroup?

Barber: I love playing football, and unfortunately, only one team wins. But we have another team to focus on. We have to shut the page and focus on the next guy because at the end of the day, the game’s over, and you can’t change if you win or lose. We want to fix the issues we had in the game that we can improve on for the next week, but we have a whole other opponent that is completely different than the team we just played.

Shuck: You played in the SEC which almost every week it’s a big game against a difficult opponent. How does your body react the next day?

Barber: We have a new facility, and I basically live there. You do your best to feel as good as you can, eat well, and rest up when you can. Playing big-time ball in the SEC takes its toll on your body. Everybody has the same pains. I can’t let that affect me as long as it’s not an injury. You learn to live with small aches and pains all week and in games. You just do. I put a big emphasis on recovery and treatment, and take advantage of everything we have at this new facility. You have to do as much as you can to make your body feel great.

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