Grading the Browns selection of OT Austin Barber in the third round

After initially trading out of the third round of the 2026 NFL draft, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry traded back into the third round to select another offensive lineman in Florida's Austin Barber with the 86th overall pick.

>This is the first pick that the Browns have made so far this year that has me scratching my head. The plan could be for him to be the swing tackle because of the struggles and injuries of Dawand Jones, but considering the other players on the board and the needs of the team, trading up for a swing tackle in the third is a bit puzzling.

>Barber brings a lot of experience to the table, is a decent athlete, and has good size for the position. His technique and footwork are inconsistent despite his experience, and his power profile in the run game is good, though bull rushers can win going through his chest in pass protection. Barber is a work in progress, but his strong hands and build could make him a solid swing tackle. Trading up for that in the third round feels like a puzzling move.

>This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Grading the Browns selection of OT Austin Barber