Browns traded up with the Chargers to select Florida OT Austin Barber with the No. 86 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Barber (6’6/318) is an experienced tackle with over 2,700 career snaps whose impressive athletic profile (9.81 RAS) and basketball background show up in his ability to operate in space and finish through the whistle. Barber logged 714 snaps at left tackle this year, pairing a dominant 90.0 run-blocking grade with strong efficiency metrics, including just a 1.6 percent run blown block rate while consistently generating movement at the point of attack. His grip strength and play temperament allow him to latch, sustain and displace defenders, making him a natural fit for gap and outside-zone concepts that require second-level mobility. In pass protection, Barber posted a more modest 66.7 pass block grade with a 3.5 percent pressure rate and three sacks allowed, reflecting inconsistencies against speed and counters, particularly versus high-end edge threats. His foot movement can be stressed on the edge, and matchups against quality rushers like Cashius Howell exposed issues with recovery timing and edge-setting angles. Barber brings durability and alignment flexibility with experience at both tackle spots, though his 29 career penalties point to technique lapses and occasional overaggression.
