Big Blue View
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)
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.
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...
