The Cleveland Browns completely rebuilt their offensive line this offseason, adding multiple veterans through free agency and taking left tackle Spencer Fano early in the NFL Draft. But they never expected to have to throw third-round rookie guard Austin Barber into the starting lineup immediately.
That's the exact possibility that Cleveland is facing with their Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars just days away. Starting guard Teven Jenkins, the only member of the starting offensive line who was with Cleveland last season, is at risk of missing the season opener with a back injury. If he's out, Barber will be his replacement.
Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer believes that the rookie is up to the challenge, though. He told reporters, "His development has been impressive. It's hard enough for a rookie to come in and play, let alone when he's been at multiple spots. And it's all about the approach and the way that he goes about it. I mean, he's wired the right way. He's a very diligent guy. He's very tough. So we're excited about him and his development."
Browns OC Travis Switzer has no doubts about rookie Austin Barber
Barber was making his case for a starting job before Jenkins went down in practice this week. He has been impressive all offseason, filling in at both right tackle and right guard. In 45 pass-blocking snaps across three preseason games, he allowed only one pressure.
He was excellent in the running game, too, earning a PFF run blocking grade of 80.5, with his two best performances coming at guard.
Head coach Todd Monken was open to starting Barber over Jenkins before the injury. Early this week, he said, "We’re going to let it play out. We anticipate Teven being our starting right guard, but again, we’d like to see it play out the rest of the week."
As Switzer mentioned, though, expectations for any rookie should be kept in check. The speed and physicality of NFL play in the trenches often prove to be a difficult adjustment for rookies. Barber is built to overcome those challenges, but it wouldn't be surprising if he makes a few mistakes in the season opener.
If Barber does take over the starting job against the Jaguars, he may never give it back. He has clearly earned the trust of his coaching staff and seems to be one of the more versatile members of the offensive line.
Add us as a preferred source on Google