Could Barber be an eventual successor for Jermaine Eluemunor?
The Florida Gators had a disappointing 2024 campaign, to say the least. They finished with an 8-5 record and went just 4-4 in conference play.
It would be easy to relegate them to the “ignore” pile. However, Florida ended the 2024 season on a four-game win streak and showed impressive growth over the course of the year.
They have several intriguing prospects, particularly along their offensive line. The New York Giants could once again look to add an offensive lineman early, particularly if Jermaine Eluemunor shows signs of decline. If so, Gators’ left tackle Austin Barber could be a good option as a developmental tackle.
(Barber is the Florida left tackle wearing No. 58)
What he does well
Barber is a good-sized tackle, listed at (roughly) 6-foot-6, 320 pounds. He does appear a bit leaner than that on the field, but he may also simply carry his weight well. He has adequate bulk in his upper and lower halves, and has a good blend of power and athleticism.
Regardless of his actual measurements, he’s certainly athletic and is an easy mover in space. He sports quick “typewriter” feet and is easily able to hit his landmarks when dropping into pass sets, as well as mirror athletic rusher off the edge. He has enough fluidity to compensate for his height, as well as agility to redirect inside to account for sudden inside moves or loopers from other gaps.
Barber already has solid hand usage, and not simply for a “college lineman.” He routinely carries his hands high and tight to his frame, and makes a consistent effort to land his punch on opponents’ chest plates. He does a good job of sustaining his blocks, as well as hand-fighting with defenders to keep them from easily slipping his blocks.
He does a good job of using his footwork to disperse power from bull rushes, as well as re-anchoring and sustaining his blocks once engaged. He’s also quick to the second level, particularly in the run game.
Barber is a better blocker on the move than downhill, and might be best suited for teams that primarily use zone schemes in their running game at the NFL level.
What he needs to improve
Overall, Barber needs to improve his leverage and leverage consistency.
Has the lower body flexibility to play with good leverage, and flashes the ability to do so against both powerful and athletic opponents. However, he doesn’t do so consistently and he can have some ugly reps when his leverage fails him.
Barber’s worst reps come when his base narrows and knees straighten. Not only does his play strength suffer, but athletic defenders are able to get under his pads or bend the edge around him. He has a tendency to bend at the waist when his knees straighten, which also limits his lateral agility and ability to mirror speed off the edge.
A narrowing base and higher center of gravity will also compromise his balance and he can spend too much time on the ground. That’s particularly true if his punch fails to land, which can lead to lunging on Barber’s part. It doesn’t happen often, but missed punches or lunges can also lead to grabbing and holding calls against Barber.
Final thoughts
Austin Barber is an intriguing prospect at offensive tackle. He may never be a dominant tackle, but he has the potential to be a reliable starter with some development.
And while he has primarily been a left tackle for the Gators, he has occasionally lined up at right tackle throughout his career. His first start was at right tackle, and he will play on the right side in unbalanced formations in short-yardage situations. That suggests that he could transition to right tackle at the NFL level.
At best, that could broaden his appeal and make him a more valuable prospect for teams. But even if teams don’t view Barber as a starter — or perhaps as a developmental prospect — he could be looked at as a valuable swing tackle.