The Browns spent the 2026 NFL Draft attacking spots they needed help at, and that started early with offensive tackle Spencer Fano plus two wide receivers in the first two rounds, KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.
Those receivers should have a clear path to snaps in a room that needs them. But there’s another rookie in Cleveland who could end up making a bigger impact than people realize before training camp even gets rolling: Barber.
Barber’s best fit is still being sorted out. Fano is projected to handle the left side next to newly signed left guard Zion Johnson, while Barber spent most of his college snaps at left tackle with the Gators and also saw work on the right side. For now, he’s listed behind Tytus Howard as the backup right tackle, but the spot with the most uncertainty on the line is right guard, where Teven Jenkins is currently penciled in.
Todd Monken said Barber is seen as a tackle, though he also believes he can slide inside. That versatility matters because Barber’s game in the run block can help move defenders and open cleaner lanes for the backs.
The production backs that up. Barber ranked second among 632 tackles in college football last season in run-block grade, according to PFF.
There’s also a path for him to become the first lineman off the bench, which might sound minor until you look at Cleveland’s inconsistency and injury history up front. In that kind of environment, the swing tackle job can turn into one of the most important roles on the roster. Barber will compete with Dawand Jones and KT Leveston for that spot.
And he brings a strong athletic profile to the fight. Barber posted a 9.84 out of 10.00 on the Relative Athletic Score, and at 6’7 and 320 lbs, he showed off speed and jumping ability at the combine.
Cleveland traded up to land him, sending picks 105, 145, and 206 to Los Angeles to move to No. 86. Andrew Berry clearly wanted Barber enough to pay that price, and that alone is a good reason not to be shocked if his role grows fast.
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Max Strus Could Be Caught In Clevelands LeBron Dilemma
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The question is whether Cleveland treats him as part of the next seasons plan or as a movable contract if the front office decides it needs more room to maneuver. Jaylon Tyson gives the Cavs at least some reason to believe they can survive without Strus, but the timing matters too, since there is a case for holding the contract a little longer before deciding whether to keep him or use him as part of a broader reshuffle. [Read more 🡒]