With the 86th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber.
Barber, the redshirt senior started all 12 games for the Gators at left tackle in 2025. Through 750 snaps played, he had an 83.5 PFF grade, with a 90.0 run-blocking grade, and a 66.7 pass-blocking grade. Through those snaps, he allowed just 17 pressures (three sacks and a hit) and had seven penalties. Barber is known for his ability to stop the run and to be a wall on the line.
Austin Barber selected by the Cleveland Browns
The Jacksonville native stands at 6’6, 314lbs, and though he’s on the smaller size for a tackle, he still packs a punch. His 90.0 run-blocking grade ranked the second most among qualified tackles in 2025.
With Sheduer Sanders’ protection issues and the Browns’ struggling offensive line, Barber could be the player they need to come in, spark momentum, and maybe give him a chance. Sanders is known for holding on to the ball too long and while the Browns would like to see him get rid of it sooner, knowing the defense has to go through Barber first can add some security to Sanders and give him a chance to get a clear shot if he does continue to hold onto it.
In 2025, Sanders was sacked 23 times on 224 offensive pressures.
By adding Barber, the Browns add security and a protector. Barber in 2025 was named to the All-SEC third team, named the 2025 Phil Steele Fourth SEC All-Conference, and earned SEC offensive lineman of the week for week four.
Coming into the draft, Barber was ranked by 247Sports at the No. 28 offensive tackle in the draft class and the No. 41 player out of the state of Florida.
The Browns took notice and went after the Florida native, and now, Barber is the newest member of the Cleveland Browns organization.
He joined Caleb Banks and Jake Slaughter as the third Gator drafted in this 2026 NFL Draft.
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