Cleveland Browns Select a Second Offensive Lineman During the 2026 NFL Draft
Trading the 105th, 145th, and 206th picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Cleveland Browns selected former Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber with the 86th pick at the back end of the third round. The selection of Barber marks the second tackle drafted by general manager Andrew Berry, as he selected Spencer Fano with the ninth pick of the first round. In addition to the second offensive linemen added via the draft, the trade that allowed Cleveland to acquire Barber was their fourth of the entire draft process so far. Playing down in Gainesville, Barber started all 25 of his last collegiate games.
The 22-year-old spent all five of his years in college as a Gator, only appearing in three games as a reserve in his first year in 2021. 2022 was his first season as a fully active player, and the Jacksonville native made the most of it, playing in all 13 games with five starts at the right tackle position. Barber continued to start on the offensive line in 2023 before injuries cut his season short, playing in just nine games. The previous two campaigns were the highlight of his time in Gainesville, as he was a full-time starter throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In another season as an iron man for Florida, Barber was selected as a member of the All-SEC Third Team.
One of Barber’s best traits is his visible athleticism, as quickness off the line stems from his time as a high school basketball player. He also brings plenty of experience and versatility, as he’s started at both tackle positions and started against the very best in the SEC. In snatch-and-trap rush scenarios, Barber operates at his best when downfield rushers come towards him. His intangibles are also his hand strength, as he can grab defensive linemen and thrash them towards the dirt. However, what Browns fans may feel weary about is the 22-year-old’s grade as a third-round talent, according to most draft analysts. If those same fans are familiar with the collegiate game, then they’ll remember Barber’s struggles against teams like Texas A&M and Miami, especially when lined up against Rueben Bain Jr. Barber will also have to work hard on his technique in order to throw weight around with the best edge rushers in the league. If head coach Todd Monken can get the 22-year-old to work on his technique, then Berry and the Browns might have found another steal.
