2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Florida’s Offensive Lineman Austin Barber

As the NFL draft inches closer to the 2026 Combine in February, scouts will set their sights on Florida left tackle Austin Barber. Barber is not in the conversation to be the first left tackle off the board next year, but he’s a likely second-round pick that brings the right size, experience, and a bit of unrealized potential that will make him one of the best offensive line prospects in this class.

Barber is talented, no doubt, and he has overcome some injuries in the past to be lauded as one of the SEC’s best left tackles in 2025. He’s already started in over 24 games and now entering his final season in Gainesville, he looks to cross over the 30 start barrier, making him one of next year’s most experienced tackles, fending off some of the country’s best pass rushers week in and week out.

Strengths

Barber is all of his 6'6" and 315 lbs., and utilizes his strength and length to lock down his edge on pass rushes and lead the team as a mauling run blocker. He’s prototypical size for the position with ample arm length and solid techniques, making it hard for edge rushers to get around him or swim and spin underneath him. He routinely gobbles them up, buying his quarterback time to throw. 

Weaknesses

Barber isn’t the most athletic of tackles and sometimes can get beaten on speed rushes. While his numbers are good, they are not at the top of the class, but he has a chance to change that this year during the season. If he masters his footwork and works on his quickness, he will improve his draft stock. 

And although he’s an excellent run blocker, he needs to be more consistent and sustain his blocks longer. Lastly, there will be some medical red flags that NFL doctors will want to check in on at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. 

Conclusion 

Barber right now appears to be an early day two pick, but has a chance to improve his position on NFL draft boards with a stellar year. He needs to show consistent play this season and fulfill some of the potential that the Gators saw in him when he was a high school recruit. 

He’s got starter potential at the next level and reminds Draft Nation of Cam Robinson or Jonah Williams. Williams was a first-rounder of the Cincinnati Bengals, and Robinson was drafted in round two by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both are long-time starters and contributors in the league, and Barber is projected to follow in their footsteps.