With the 86th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected offensive tackle Austin Barber from the University of Florida. The pick marked the Browns’ only selection in the third round, coming after a series of trades that saw them move back into the round to secure the Florida product. Barber, a three-year starter for the Gators, brings experience and size to an offensive line undergoing significant reconstruction. Barber appeared in 50 career games at Florida, starting 39 of them — including 34 at left tackle and five at right tackle. He redshirted in 2021 before becoming the starting left tackle for three-and-a-half years, starting all 25 games across his junior and senior seasons. During that span, he earned All-SEC honors in 2025 and was recognized as a Third-Team All-SEC selection. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 313 pounds, Barber possesses the frame and length that NFL teams value in offensive linemen. His basketball background contributes to his athleticism and footwork, though scouts have noted inconsistencies in his technique, particularly in pass protection where he can be vulnerable to speed rushers and exhibits uneven hand placement. Despite these areas for growth, his ability to anchor in the run game and deliver powerful blocks when technically sound has drawn praise. The selection fits into a broader Browns strategy to rebuild the offensive line during the 2026 offseason. Cleveland had already addressed the unit through free agency and trades, acquiring Tytus Howard from the Texans, re-signing Teven Jenkins, and adding interior linemen Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. Earlier in the draft, the team selected Spencer Fano with the sixth overall pick, giving them two offensive tackles in the first round. Barber joins a group that includes developing players like Dawand Jones, Luke Wypler, and Zak Zinter, as well as depth options such as Kingsley Eguakun, Jack Conley, Kendrick Green, Jeremiah Byers, KT Leveston, and Tyre Phillips. Browns head coach Todd Monken expressed enthusiasm for the pick, emphasizing the need to address the offensive line and the value of getting a player they had evaluated highly. General manager Andrew Berry orchestrated the trade-up to secure Barber, targeting him as a developmental prospect with the potential to compete for playing time as he adjusts to the NFL level. While Barber is not expected to start immediately, his experience as a multi-year starter in the SEC provides a foundation for growth. The Browns view him as a project who can develop into a reliable swing tackle or potentially transition inside to guard, depending on how his technique evolves. His addition continues Florida’s recent presence in the NFL draft’s offensive line class, following several Gators linemen selected in recent years. As the 2026 season approaches, Barber will compete for a role in a rebuilding offensive line aiming to provide better protection for the quarterback and create running lanes. His progression will be closely watched, particularly in how he refines his pass protection skills and adapts to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. For now, the selection represents a calculated investment in a player with starting experience, prototypical size, and the versatility to contribute along the line as he develops.
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