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The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers have their starting offensive tackles, with Jordan Morgan set to take over at left tackle and protect Jordan Love's blindside and Zach Tom is entrenched at right tackle.
What they need to add this offseason is a swing tackle. A potential target on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is Austin Barber. The Florida offensive tackle checks in at No. 17 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A three-star recruit and a Florida native, Barber finished his career at the Swamp with 34 starts at left tackle and five at right tackle.
Barber has agile feet and he’s coordinated in his shuffle. He has lateral quickness to mirror and protect the corner. He has the upper-body strength and frame to stonewall pass rushers. He uses his frame to escort pass rushers. He mixes up his hand tactics to keep pass rushers off balance.
"Barber's pass protection struggles came against top pass rushers, like Texas A&M's Cashius Howell, who used their speed rushing skill to beat Barber," Max Bernstein, a reporter for The Alligator, said. "However, Barber has showcased some excellent ability to deal with bull-rushing pass rushers. Barber has a strong anchor that forces opposing rushers to go around him to reach the quarterback."
Barber is comfortable on the move and doesn’t labor climbing to the second level. He has a high football IQ and understands angles. While not a mauler by any means, the Gator product hits his marks on the move and helps seal running lanes. He keeps his feet driving at the point of attack to create movement.
"Barber uses his elite size to his advantage, overpowering defenders who try to push to his inside," Bernstein said. "He also uses his athletic ability and short-area quickness to his advantage, helping him block on the second level. That allows him to win in multiple ways and could help him thrive in multiple blocking schemes."
Brian Gutekunst has had success drafting offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. Tom and Rasheed Walker were both Day 3 picks and Barber could be the next success story.
Barber checks the boxes with his experience playing both tackle spots, size and athleticism. On top of that, Barber could kick inside to guard. He offers four-position versatility. As a Day 3 pick, he'd provide quality depth and would ensure that the offensive line wouldn't crater if something happened to Morgan or Tom.
"Barber was an extremely consistent player during his UF career, and possesses the physical traits that could make him a valuable swing-tackle in the NFL," Bernstein said. "Because of his athleticism, I also could see him potentially swinging into the interior, adding an element of versatility to his game. Overall, it would be surprising if Barber wasn't at least a valuable depth piece and rotational starter on the next level."
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 17, Florida OL Austin Barber
Continue reading...
The Green Bay Packers have their starting offensive tackles, with Jordan Morgan set to take over at left tackle and protect Jordan Love's blindside and Zach Tom is entrenched at right tackle.
What they need to add this offseason is a swing tackle. A potential target on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is Austin Barber. The Florida offensive tackle checks in at No. 17 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A three-star recruit and a Florida native, Barber finished his career at the Swamp with 34 starts at left tackle and five at right tackle.
Barber has agile feet and he’s coordinated in his shuffle. He has lateral quickness to mirror and protect the corner. He has the upper-body strength and frame to stonewall pass rushers. He uses his frame to escort pass rushers. He mixes up his hand tactics to keep pass rushers off balance.
"Barber's pass protection struggles came against top pass rushers, like Texas A&M's Cashius Howell, who used their speed rushing skill to beat Barber," Max Bernstein, a reporter for The Alligator, said. "However, Barber has showcased some excellent ability to deal with bull-rushing pass rushers. Barber has a strong anchor that forces opposing rushers to go around him to reach the quarterback."
Barber is comfortable on the move and doesn’t labor climbing to the second level. He has a high football IQ and understands angles. While not a mauler by any means, the Gator product hits his marks on the move and helps seal running lanes. He keeps his feet driving at the point of attack to create movement.
"Barber uses his elite size to his advantage, overpowering defenders who try to push to his inside," Bernstein said. "He also uses his athletic ability and short-area quickness to his advantage, helping him block on the second level. That allows him to win in multiple ways and could help him thrive in multiple blocking schemes."
Fit with the Packers
Brian Gutekunst has had success drafting offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. Tom and Rasheed Walker were both Day 3 picks and Barber could be the next success story.
Barber checks the boxes with his experience playing both tackle spots, size and athleticism. On top of that, Barber could kick inside to guard. He offers four-position versatility. As a Day 3 pick, he'd provide quality depth and would ensure that the offensive line wouldn't crater if something happened to Morgan or Tom.
"Barber was an extremely consistent player during his UF career, and possesses the physical traits that could make him a valuable swing-tackle in the NFL," Bernstein said. "Because of his athleticism, I also could see him potentially swinging into the interior, adding an element of versatility to his game. Overall, it would be surprising if Barber wasn't at least a valuable depth piece and rotational starter on the next level."
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 17, Florida OL Austin Barber
Continue reading...
