The Cleveland Browns’ rookie Austin Barber entered the offseason without much attention after Cleveland traded back into the third round to select him. However, his strong preseason work has changed the conversation around the rookie. Now, the Browns may have a genuine starting competition developing at right guard, as Barber makes it difficult for the team to ignore him.
On the managerial front, head coach Todd Monken has been particularly impressed with Barber’s recent performances at right guard. And while the experienced Teven Jenkins is currently favored for the starting job, Monken doesn’t think the competition is over yet for the starting position.
Austin Barber’s Feats Complicate Todd Monken’s Roster Decision
The Browns appear increasingly confident in Barber’s ability to contribute as a rookie. The bigger question is whether his development has progressed enough for Cleveland to trust him with a starting role immediately.
Barber’s performance has attracted attention from Browns reporters and offensive line observers throughout the preseason. His length and athleticism initially made him appear better suited to tackle, but his work inside has changed that perception. NFL insider Daniel Oyefusi shared Monken’s response when asked whether Barber could still overtake him before Week 1.
“I would give Teven the lean, but I don’t think it’s done yet.”
Browns coach Todd Monken was very complimentary of rookie Austin Barber’s work at RG in recent weeks.
When asked if Barber could still push Teven Jenkins to start there in Week 1, Monken said: “I would give Teven the lean, but I don’t think it’s done yet.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 29, 2026
The possibility of Barber starting also becomes more significant when comparing his stats against Jenkins’ injury history. Jenkins has struggled to stay consistently healthy throughout his NFL career. He missed time before joining Cleveland and dealt with injuries again last season. He has also missed time during the current training camp. That history could give Barber an opportunity even if Jenkins opens the season as the starter.
Moreover, Cleveland has precedent for successfully moving athletic tackles inside. Joel Bitonio began his career as a college tackle before transitioning to guard and becoming one of the Browns’ most dependable offensive linemen. If anything, Bitonio’s successful transition from college tackle to NFL guard provides an encouraging precedent for Barber.
Monken is likely to avoid putting too much responsibility on the rookie immediately. That’s because, while Cleveland is already navigating several changes across its roster, adding another inexperienced starter could create additional uncertainty. However, Barber’s emergence gives the coaching staff an intriguing alternative.
If Jenkins remains healthy, his experience could ultimately earn him the Week 1 assignment. Yet the Browns now appear to have legitimate competition behind him rather than simply a developmental rookie waiting for opportunities. That could benefit Cleveland regardless of who starts the opener.
Barber has already done enough to establish himself as an important part of the offensive line rotation. If his preseason form continues, the Browns may have little choice but to increase his responsibilities. For now, Jenkins remains the favorite to start at right guard. Monken’s comments, however, make clear that Cleveland has not closed the door on Barber. Even more, Barber could set himself up to become one of the most exciting rookies to watch across the league in the new season.
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The post Browns Rookie Austin Barber Is Turning Heads as Teven Jenkins Faces a Real Week 1 Challenge appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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