Take a look at the final 2025 offensive line rankings in the NFL. Where did the Cleveland Browns rank? Try #32. That’s out of 32 teams. So, dead friggin’ last.
This is an offensive line group that just a few years ago was ranked #3 in the league. Which is pretty sad.
Editor’s update: Cleveland selected Austin Barber in the third round. Below, you will find Barry Shuck’s exclusive interview with Barber from the Senior Bowl and his in-depth profile.
And it’s not like the Browns didn’t have some good running backs. However, rookie second-round draft pick Quinshon Judkins missed several games to begin the year, and then became injured, so he missed time at the end of the schedule. Veteran Jerome Ford was a non-factor, and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson had his moments but didn’t put fear into any defensive units.
The offensive line could very well be five new players in 2026. The need for quality offensive tackles is very real.
Austin Barber is one of the more underrated tackles in this class imo. I was really impressed with his tape https://t.co/FIYavhhBGP
At the Senior Bowl, there were several very good prospects. Florida OT Austin Barber was one of the best tackles at this All-Star game and had a very good practice week.
The Browns need some help along the offensive line, whether that is through free agency or by taking some new guys in the NFL draft.
Dawgs by Nature staff writer Barry Shuck was at the Senior Bowl this past week. He interviewed Barber during the practice week. Last year, he was named Third Team All-SEC.
Shuck: You played left tackle at Florida. What is your off-season process?
Barber: Find an agent first. Then, where to train and take that process. At Florida, the nutritionist put me on a regimented diet, and I have to try to keep that going and not go wild with eating stuff that is not going to help me.
Shuck: In 2023, you had a shoulder injury. What was the rehab like, and do you have any repercussions from that?
Barber: It was a long process, especially playing offensive line. I use my upper body a lot. The rehab process went great with the guys we have in the training room. They were well-oriented with what was wrong with me and my rehab. I felt confident every single day going in. I took advantage of the training room day-in and day out. The cryo was great. Some days were harder than others. I was 100% healthy this past season and right now.
Shuck: You had a lot of college offers coming out of high school. How did you end up at Florida?
Barber: I was recruited by Miami, Ole Miss, Minnesota, and then Florida came in really late. For me, growing up a big Florida fan in Jacksonville, my whole family bleeds orange and blue. As a kid, coming to games and seeing all the traditions and all the great names of guys before me. I knew where I wanted to go from the beginning, and the minute I got the chance to play, I signed the papers the same day they offered me. It was a quick decision. My family is very family-oriented. It’s about the journey.
Shuck: A lot of college stadiums are really loud. With an away game, how was your offense able to converse?
Barber: It’s pretty difficult being the offense because we are communication-based. Especially with the five guys along the offensive line. Then you add the quarterback and being able to hear him, and the running backs have to hear what’s going on. But we prepared for loud stadiums. Our coaches did a great job of doing things to get us in the right situation where we really didn’t need verbal communication. Fans in a lot of stadiums are really loud, so it gets really tough sometimes.
Shuck: You play tackle along the offensive line, but really, you aren’t one guy; you’re part of a group of five guys. Why is it important for offensive linemen to bond and form a unified unit?
Barber: I am here this week with my roommate, Jake Slaughter. We knew each other in high school, playing for different schools. The relationship with the other members along the offensive line is so important. We help each other, even the younger guys who come into the room. We become a close-knit group. You build a bond that’s unbreakable with the entire room. It’s very important. You can say things to each other that others might take personally, but for us, it’s the best thing for the player who needs to hear it. Adversity is going to hit, and you need foxhole guys.
Shuck: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?