Todd Monken Reveals His Plans for Austin Barber
The Cleveland Browns are adding more muscle to their front line. With the 86th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team selected Austin Barber, an offensive tackle from the Florida Gators. For Barber, head coach, Todd Monken already has a vision for the pick.
What really caught Monken's eye was Barber’s ability to play multiple spots. He joins an offensive line that witnessed a huge revamp as six players from the offensive line became free agents. But Monken is confident about Barber filling the void.
"When you talk about the offensive linemen, you're just trying to get some guys that you think can play tackle but also have position flex," he said. "(We) see (Barber) as a tackle to start, obviously has some flex. We think he could move inside."
Barber’s résumé includes three years as a starter and 39 games played for the Florida Gators, primarily at left tackle, with 34 games. However, his position at the next level is still uncertain.
He could be developed at tackle. But Monken hinted that guard is also a possibility, and likely to be his starting position in Cleveland.
The Browns traded picks 105, 147, and 206 to climb 19 spots to No. 86 overall and land Barber. He was the second tackle that Monken drafted after picking Spencer Fano of Utah early in the first round.
"We really liked him from the jump," Monken said. Certainly, we knew we had to address the offensive line. And so, as he was still up on the board, I think the opportunity to move back and then as it continued then – let's not wait any longer."
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 318 pounds, Barber brings a massive frame and plenty of experience to Cleveland.
While he spent most of his time protecting the quarterback’s blindside at left tackle, he also showed he could play on the right side when needed.
Consistency defined his senior year, during which he earned All-SEC honors.
Can Austin Barber Be an Asset for Todd Monken's Browns
In 2025, he earned the second-highest run-blocking grade in the nation (90.0), according to Pro Football Focus. So, he has the strength and skill to dominate opponents despite his size.
One of the major reasons for the Browns' drafting the player is to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Last year, Sanders struggled behind a weak line and was sacked 23 times under heavy pressure.
While Sanders is known to hold the ball for a long time, having a reliable tackle like Barber provides a much-needed guard. This extra protection gives Sanders more time to scan the field and make better throws.
“He has good feet and strong hands," NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein shared his take on Barber. "He knows how to play but he struggles to bend and drive at the point of attack. Same goes for anchoring or defending his edges against power rushers."
Meanwhile, as Florida’s left tackle, Barber helped spring running back Jadan Baugh to his best yards-per-carry mark when running behind him (6.6), according to PFF.
It is a positive sign for Monken's offense, led by Quinshon Judkins, who averaged just 3.6 yards per carry.
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