Cam Robinson, Houston Texans
Getty
Cam Robinson #74 of the Minnesota Vikings sits on the bench during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Houston Texans went into this offseason looking to upgrade their offensive line, but their work may be far from over. A new “early” mock draft from ESPN’s Matt Miller projects the Texans to further address their front with Florida’s Austin Barber.
Listed at 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, Barber lands with the Texans’ laps with the No. 21 overall pick of the 2026 draft in Miller’s projection.
Miller noted the Texans underwent a “massive overhaul” up front this offseason.
“The work in finding better protection for C.J. Stroud is far from over,” Miller wrote on June 30. “Barber started 12 games at left tackle last season, showing pro-level starting upside thanks to efficient hand placement in pass protection and ideal quickness for zone running schemes.”
Austin Barber was a tackle that I liked a lot. He’s at least average at pretty much everything and is a plus athlete. Super high floor prospect that understands the position well. pic.twitter.com/GMvPWorojF
— Benjamin Hodge (@benjaminwhodge) June 18, 2025
Barber is heading into his fifth season with the Gators.
Notably, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler projected Barber to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 9 pick in his early mock, which would make him a strong value for the Texans at No. 21.
“A good-looking athlete,” Brugler wrote in April. “Barber shows off his range on pulls and climbs, and he is able to torque defenders off balance once he latches. He could interest a team such as the Browns, who have long-term question marks at left and right tackle.
Austin Barber Could Be Critical Next Step for Texans
Austin Barber, Houston Texans
GettyAustin Barber #58 of the Florida Gators looks on during the Florida Orange & Blue Spring Game.
Barber could be a fit for the Texans, who traded five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders this offseason. They also signed Cam Robinson and Super Bowl champion Trent Brown in free agency.
Arguably most notably, the Texans selected Aireontay Ersery with the No. 48 overall pick of the 2025 draft, their first after a previous trade.
He could compete right away. However, it is unclear if Ersery was the Texans’ first choice.
“Sources say Houston tried a couple of times to trade up for an offensive lineman but could not make it work,” Graziano wrote in May. “It’s possible Ersery shows enough in camp to earn one of the two starting tackle spots.”
Ersery is 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, though, and could be a better fit at right tackle, which could leave room on the Texans’ draft radar for Barber.
Florida LT Austin Barber (#58) took a nice step in 2025. Has always had an outstanding frame (listed 6-6, 314 pounds) and good overall tools, but power profile and technique took a jump.
First clip was against Walter Nolen. pic.twitter.com/RLd1q0XPRi
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) May 9, 2025
That is not to suggest the Texans are not high on Ersery. They are.
“People in Houston’s draft room will tell you [Texans general manager Nick] Caserio doesn’t move up and down for splash but simply to try to maximize value,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote in May. “They believe they did that with second-round offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery, whom some scouts thought might slide into the late first round. He has plenty of versatility.”
The Texans also have youngsters Blake Fisher and Jaylon Thomas, as well as veteran Tytus Howard, who could end up starting at one of the guard spots.
Texans Must Protect C.J. Stroud Better
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyGeorge Karlaftis #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans during the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Barber could be part of a significant investment by the Texans into Stroud next offseason. The former No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 draft and Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud played in all 17 games during the regular season and both playoff matchups.
However, he absorbed 52 sacks on the campaign, taking 11 more in the postseason. That includes 8 sacks versus the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
C.J. Stroud was sacked 63 times last season. 36 of those sacks came with four down linemen.
Stroud was sacked 36 times in total in 2023. pic.twitter.com/pWsl5TAz70
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) June 5, 2025
Stroud will be extension-eligible next offseason.
Unless someone among the Texans’ tackles asserts themselves as the solution at left tackle during training camp and this season, Barber could be firmly in consideration, even though Miller’s projection calls for a step back from Houston, who would have drafted 27th in 2024.