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Austin Barber immediately shows why the Browns should be happy they drafted him

The former Gators tackle will be heading to Cleveland after being selected in the third round
ByCorey Long|
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Oct 4, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber (58) walks on the field during Gator Walk before a game against the Texas Longhorns at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber (58) walks on the field during Gator Walk before a game against the Texas Longhorns at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Austin Barber got the call he was waiting for and didn't hold back.

When the Florida Gators offensive lineman was called by the Cleveland Browns after they traded back into the third round to draft him 86th overall, Barber could not contain his excitement.

You love to see it. There's something about that level of genuine emotion that you can't fake and one can just imagine the rush that Barber got knowing that his dream of being a professional football player was coming true at that moment. If he can continue to bottle that emotion and put it out on the field, he's going to be very popular in the Dawg Pound.

Austin Barber was ready for the Browns' phone call

Browns coach Todd Monken said that Barber's versatility and experience were things that jumped out at him from the start and when they saw the opportunity to trade back into the third round to get him, they didn't hesitate.

"There are certain players that are picked higher than you would have thought, and there's others that are a little bit lower. Certainly, we knew we had to address the offensive line. And so, as he was still up on the board," Monken said. "I think the opportunity to move back and then, as it continued then – let's not wait any longer. Let's go up and get him, and we're fired up to get him."

Barber has three years of starting experience to lean on as he begins his new journey. He started 39 games for the Gators, with most of them coming at left tackle. Where Barber projects in the pros is a different story. He obviously has the ability to be worked out as a tackle, but Monken suggests that they believe he could also play guard, and he might get his start there. 

I get the feeling that Barber will be more than happy to line up wherever they ask him and do whatever it takes to help Cleveland get where it wants to go. Browns fans are some of the best in football, and they want to cheer on guys that love football. Barber is ready to be that guy. 

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