Browns Trade Up Again to Select Offensive Tackle Austin Barber 86th Overall
Tackle depth and a player who can provide insurance on both sides of the line.
The Browns made yet another move up the board on Day 3, trading with the Los Angeles Chargers to land pick No. 86 and select Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber — continuing what has been an aggressive and roster-reshaping 2026 NFL Draft for the organization — especially on offense.
The trade involved moving pick 105 (4th round), originally acquired from the Giants for 74 overall, then also sent 145 (received from the Giants as well)and their original 206th pick in the 6th round all to the Chargers. The Browns essentially sent 74 for 86 that turns into 2027 4th round pick.
Barber arrives in Cleveland as one of the most experienced offensive linemen in the entire draft class. A 6’6”, 314-pound prospect who entered Florida as a 4-star recruit, Barber started 38 career games primarily at left tackle, including 12 starts in 2025 while earning Third-Team All-SEC honors. He also participated in the Senior Bowl, where he further built his stock.
What makes Barber especially appealing is his versatility. As one of the few true left tackles in this draft, he also displayed the ability to play right tackle at the Senior Bowl, giving him swing tackle upside that teams covet. He told teams throughout the pre-draft process that his goal was simple — playing anywhere he can help the team win. The Browns noted, from head coach Todd Monken, following the pick that he is a player who could move inside and play some guard.
His athleticism stands out for a man his size, rooted in an unconventional background. Barber is an above-average athlete who shows light feet and good body control stemming from his basketball background, with functional explosiveness that translates to both run blocking and recovery flashes.
In the run game, Barber was dominant. He earned a 90.0 run block grade from PFF in 2025, and scouts rave about his finishing mentality. He has some mauler finishing traits on his tape when the ball stays on the ground, driving his legs through contact and hunting for finishes — often burying defenders into the turf. He does struggle to displace the stronger EDGE and interior defensive lineman at times in one-on-one, though.
The areas for growth are clear. His many issues in pass protection stem from inconsistency — high pad level, wide hands, and feet that aren’t always synchronized with his hand timing. But the ceiling is they see worth chasing. Moving up the way they did meant they didn’t envision him being there at pick 105.
For a team that selected Spencer Fano in the first round to anchor the offensive line, adding Barber as a developmental tackle with starting potential down the line at pick 86 has appealing upside. The Browns are betting that George Warhop can polish the technique and unlock the ceiling of a future NFL starter hiding behind some fixable flaws.
Browns Film Breakdown will have full breakdown of the this pick tomorrow.
