The Cincinnati Bengals need to address their swing tackle depth because Cody Ford and Javon Foster are not viable options if Orlando Brown Jr. or Amarius Mims miss time next season. Also, the Bengals could potentially add a long-term left tackle replacement for Brown to develop and learn from over the next few years. The 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler recently signed a team-friendly two-year, $32 million contract extension, securing him through 2028.
Cincinnati Bengals host a possible long-term replacement for 4x-Pro Bowler
Florida Gators, NFL Scouting Combine, Austin Barber
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers scout Nate Biehl measures Florida offensive lineman Austin Barber (OL02) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In an interview with Justin Melo ofSports Illustrated, Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber shared that he will have a 30-visit with the Bengals. He is an experienced offensive tackle with the ability to play both left and right tackle, having started 33 games at LT and five at RT. Following the conclusion of his senior season, Barber has risen on draft boards thanks to his impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. Many have projected him as a late Day 2 to early Day 3 pick.
.@GatorsFB OT Austin Barber enters the NFL Draft as a 38-game starter at LT in the SEC.
NFL teams are excited about Barber and his LT/RT versatility. Elite NFL Combine
👉 @AustinBarber joins NFL Draft On SI for an exclusive pre-draft conversation:https://t.co/iUi8gf9ti5
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 7, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
Florida Gators, Austin Barber
Oct 4, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber (58) walks on the field during Gator Walk before a game against the Texas Longhorns at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Austin Barber enjoyed a solid redshirt senior season, excelling in run blocking, holding steady in pass protection, and earning Third-Team All-SEC honors. He allowed 17 pressures, a 4% pressure rate, 13 hurries, one quarterback hit, and three sacks across 12 starts. Barber posted a 97.5 pass-blocking efficiency grade, a 66.7 pass-blocking grade, a 90 run-blocking grade, and an 83.5 PFF grade.
“Tall tackle prospect with starting experience at both tackle spots. He’s played against top-tier talent in the SEC, which bolsters his case, but his struggles against Texas A&M and Miami provide an idea of his ceiling. He has good feet and strong hands.
“He knows how to play but he struggles to bend and drive at the point of attack. Same goes for anchoring or defending his edges against power rushers. Barber projects as a Day 3 pick with a chance of becoming a swing tackle.”
He projects as an average backup or special teamer.