The Cleveland Browns may have landed not one but two starting offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft. With all eyes set on Spencer Fano — and rightfully so — Austin Barber was actually the brightest spot on that five-man unit in Week 1.
Barber got the start for the injured Teven Jenkins, and he may now hold onto it. He had already shown strong flashes at right guard during the preseason, and judging by Todd Monken's assessment, it'll be hard to get him off the field, even when Jenkins is fully healthy:
“Austin has progressively been getting better every week. I was excited for him. Not the outcome from a team standpoint. But to go back home. Being from down there. I’m sure he had lots of family there. He wanted to play well, and he did,” Monken said, adding that he could definitely keep the job even when Jenkins returns.
Todd Monken may have no choice but to keep Austin Barber in the starting lineup
The Browns initially took Barber, a raw but promising tackle out of Florida, to be their swing tackle. He went toe-to-toe with Dawand Jones for that role late in training camp before the Browns moved him to the interior.
Barber looks like a natural fit for Monken's wide-zone run schemes. His ability to climb and push defensive linemen sideways is pretty impressive, especially for a player who didn't suit up at guard for a single snap in his extensive collegiate career.
Fast forward to Week 1, and Pro Football Focus gave the Florida Gators product the highest grade among rookie offensive linemen — and that's a group that includes nine first-round picks and three second-rounders.
Week 1 often leads to overreaction, but as quick as everyone is to write the Browns off after a bad game, they should keep the same energy to anoint Barber as the next big thing in Berea. After all, he gave up just one pressure and created lanes for the running game against the Jaguars, even though Quinshon Judkins didn't always make the most of them.
As for Teven Jenkins, he remains out as he continues to nurse a back injury. Jenkins is the only returning starter from last season, though he was never a lock to hold onto that spot with this new-look offensive line.
Zion Johnson's first game with the Browns left plenty to be desired, but with the Browns paying him nearly $50 million over the next three years, it's hard to believe they'll bench him anytime soon.
Barber had already closed the gap at right guard late in training camp. With another strong performance in Week 2, the rookie will all but guarantee his new role as a starter.
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