In the season opener, Cleveland used two rookie offensive linemen on the line, underscoring the youth of the roster. Third-round pick Austin Barber, out of Florida, stepped in at right guard for Teven Jenkins, who was sidelined by injury. Barber delivered enough to suggest he may not relinquish that spot anytime soon.
Barber earned the highest grade among Browns players in the game, according to Pro Football Focus. The rookie finished with an 81.6 overall grade, the top mark on the team. He logged 51 offensive snaps, allowed just one pressure, and absorbed one quarterback hit while not committing any penalties in his first NFL start.
The performance was particularly meaningful given the Browns’ overall struggles in the trenches. Cleveland’s quarterback, Deshaun Watson, was sacked five times, but Barber did not allow a sack or a pressure on any of those plays. This solid performance came against a formidable Jaguars defensive front and highlighted Barber’s potential to be a long-term contributor.
Barber’s journey from college to the professional level shows him transitioning from tackle to guard, a move that appears to suit his skill set at the NFL level. His Week 1 showing, consistent with his preseason and training camp looks, positions him as a potential long-term solution at right guard for Cleveland. If Barber can maintain this level of play, the Browns could feel confident about solidifying the interior line for the foreseeable future.
There is still work to do for the Browns after their season-opening setback, but Barber’s emergence provides a positive takeaway. As the team shifts focus to Week 2, coaching staff and players alike will look to build on Barber’s rise and further develop the line to improve run protection and pass protection across the board.
Key takeaway: Barber’s impressive debut as a starter and his standout grading suggest he may become a stable presence along the Browns’ interior offensive line, offering a bright spot amid a challenging start to the season.
