PITTSBURGH — Just a few selections earlier, the Cleveland Browns added pick No. 58 following a trade from the San Francisco 49ers to the roster. Many picks and two trades later, the Browns were back on the clock and selected offensive tackle Austin Barber in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Barber, the 6'6" 318-pound lineman, has starting experience at both right and left tackle, last season starting all 12 games at left. In the 140 snaps he played in 2025, Barber allowed just three sacks and one QB hit.
Scouts have praised his body control and footwork as well as his strong hand to help in blocking, and while he has dealt with injuries over his collegiate career, his addition to the Browns adds more talent to a revamped offensive line.
"“(We) see him as a tackle to start, obviously has some flex. We think could move inside," said head coach Todd Monken. "Certainly, we knew we had to address the offensive line. And so, as he was still up on the board, I think the opportunity to move back and then as it continued then – let’s not wait any longer. Let’s go up and get him and we’re fired up to get him.”
The Browns had already drafted tackle Spencer Fano with the No. 9 overall pick. The rookies join Elgton Jenkins, Teven Jenkins, Tytus Howard, Dawand Jones, Zion Johnson, KT Leveston, Luke Wypler, Kingsley Eguakun, Zak Zinter, Jeremiah Byers and Tyre Phillips in the o-line room.
Barber was the third player added on Friday and the fifth selected so far in this year's draft.
The pick to add Barber ended the Browns' second night of the draft. Cleveland is scheduled to be back on the clock Saturday for the final day of the draft, holding five more picks.
Here are the Browns' 2026 Draft Picks:
- Round 1: No. 9 overall: OT Spencer Fano
- Round 1: No. 24 overall: KC Concepcion
- Round 2: No. 39 overall: WR Denzel Boston
- Round 2: No. 58 overall: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- Round 3: No. 86 overall: OT Austin Barber
- Round 5: No. 146 overall: OL Parker Brailsford
- Round 5: No. 149 overall: LB Justin Jefferson
- Round 5: No. 170 overall: TE Joe Royer
- Round 6: No. 182 overall: QB Taylen Green
- Round 7: No. 248 overall: TE Carsen Ryan
