Austin Barber Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Jeff Swinger/USA Today Sports)

School: Florida

Class: Redshirt Senior

Position: OT

HT: 6’6

WT: 316 lbs

Background: Austin Barber was a 3-star offensive tackle in the 2021 class out of Jacksonville, Florida. Barber played for Trinity Christian High School, where he won the Florida Class 3A State Championship. Barber was a top 100 player in Florida and a top 50 offensive tackle in the class. Austin also lettered in basketball for Trinity Christian. Austin Barber committed to in-state Florida over Miami, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and others.

College: Barber redshirted in his freshman 2021 season and became a starter in 2022. He was named to the College Football News Freshman All-American First Team. He became the starting left tackle for the remainder of his collegiate career in Gainesville. He was also named to the Outland Trophy Watchlist. Barber was named an All-SEC Third Team selection in 2025 after one last phenomenal season.

Strengths: Austin Barber is a quick mover with the lateral agility to mirror defenders at the line of scrimmage. He has the recovery speed to get himself back into a rep. This also transitions to his ability to get to the second level as a run blocker. He is a mobile offensive tackle who works well in space. He consistently finds his landmarks and is a reliable lead blocker in complex blocking schemes. In pass protection, Barber explodes out of his stance and gets into the chest of his assignment. He has the arm length to land that initial strike and immediately knock defenders off their path.

Weaknesses: Barber does not have an encouraging strength profile. He tends to get outmuscled by power rushers. Bull rushes put Barber on his heels, forcing him into recovery mode. Barber’s base is too narrow. He needs to establish a wider foundation to get a firmer anchor to absorb those power rushes. When Barber hits his landmarks in space, he doesn’t have the violence to finish linebackers into the dirt. He lacks the functional strength to clear muddy waters.

Conclusion: Austin Barber has the movement skills and measurables to be a plus starter in the NFL. He needs to add strength to his profile if he has any hopes of reaching his full potential. Barber should be looked at as a player who can become a starter in the back half of his rookie contract.

Best Team Fits: CLE, NE, HOU

Player Comparison: Jalen Mayfield

Player Grade: Round 3 (75.9)