NFL Draft Buzz gives Barber one of the highest run blocking grades at 94%, with a much lesser pass blocking grade in the 70's. He played LT in college, but could be a value option to start out at LG after the 1st round.
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Austin Barber OT Florida
Feb 16, 2026 at 11:59 AM
- Butter
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Feb 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- krizay
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He is currently my top 3rd round option for us. I dont particularly like your idea of playing him at OG but love the idea of him taking over for Williams in '27.
Feb 17, 2026 at 5:05 AM
- Butter
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Originally posted by krizay:
He is currently my top 3rd round option for us. I dont particularly like your idea of playing him at OG but love the idea of him taking over for Williams in '27.
I have been picking him up in the 3rd in a lot of mock drafts.
Anti Barber at LG to start, or the entire concept? If the rookie is able to make the adjustment for short term, it seems like a win win; shore up LG. evaluate/groom a future LT, the rookie gets to learn directly under under TW supervision (how does he train, take care of his body, study film, etc).
Feb 17, 2026 at 8:02 AM
- krizay
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Originally posted by Butter:
I have been picking him up in the 3rd in a lot of mock drafts.
Anti Barber at LG to start, or the entire concept? If the rookie is able to make the adjustment for short term, it seems like a win win; shore up LG. evaluate/groom a future LT, the rookie gets to learn directly under under TW supervision (how does he train, take care of his body, study film, etc).
Never ever been a fan of drafting an OT to start at OG for a year or 2 just to move him later.
If you want an OG draft an OG. Im fine with drafting an OT and switching him to OG permanently just not flip flopping him.
Just my preference
Feb 18, 2026 at 3:33 PM
- ritz126
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Originally posted by krizay:
Originally posted by Butter:
I have been picking him up in the 3rd in a lot of mock drafts.
Anti Barber at LG to start, or the entire concept? If the rookie is able to make the adjustment for short term, it seems like a win win; shore up LG. evaluate/groom a future LT, the rookie gets to learn directly under under TW supervision (how does he train, take care of his body, study film, etc).
Never ever been a fan of drafting an OT to start at OG for a year or 2 just to move him later.
If you want an OG draft an OG. Im fine with drafting an OT and switching him to OG permanently just not flip flopping him.
Just my preference
i agreewith this i dont mind him playing at OG but dont move him to LT especially if he is playing well.
Just draft an OT to play OT i hate the idea of playing musical chairs with OL positions
[ Edited by ritz126 on Feb 18, 2026 at 3:33 PM ]
Feb 23, 2026 at 10:35 AM
- scooterhd
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Instant swing tackle. You hope he can take over for Trent but I think hes a RT through and through. Not the most ideal timing in the world, but it still works. McKivitz has an out after 2027 season and will be 33 coming into 2028. Good time to replace with the understudy that then has 2 years of experience in the system.
Apr 7, 2026 at 2:33 PM
- Butter
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Yeah!!! Your my boy blue!!!! I'm doing anothet mock draft right now.
Niners do virtual meeting with Austin Barber.
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/200093-virtual-pre-draft-meeting-florida-austin/
Niners do virtual meeting with Austin Barber.
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/200093-virtual-pre-draft-meeting-florida-austin/
Apr 7, 2026 at 2:44 PM
- scooterhd
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Not a guard. Swing tackle with starting RT upside.
Apr 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
- Butter
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This draft seems very RT heavy.
I still like Austin. He has one of the highest run blocking grade.
I still like Austin. He has one of the highest run blocking grade.
Apr 7, 2026 at 7:12 PM
- Ezekiel38
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I'd be good with him at #127.
Will blow a gasket if we picked him at #58.
Will blow a gasket if we picked him at #58.
Apr 8, 2026 at 3:26 AM
- Butter
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Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
I'd be good with him at #127.
Will blow a gasket if we picked him at #58.
Agreed. He has decent value on the 4th round.