The Jacksonville Jaguars probably won't make substantial changes to the offensive line. Already, they've announced that the five starters from 2025 will return next season. Having said that, the Jags should most definitely add depth at the line of scrimmage in the draft once they address other more pressing needs. And based on a recent meeting, that's precisely what they're planning to do.
Austin Barber had plenty of starting experience at Florida. On top of that, he's got the tools to develop into a steady contributor in the trenches. This is why it isn't particularly shocking to find out that Jacskonville has met with him during the pre-draft process.
The Jaguars have met with Austin Barber ahead of the draft
Austin Barber had an exclusive sitdown with Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated and said that the Jags are one of the teams he's met ahead of the draft.
"I've had a ton of Zoom meetings, Barber told Melo. "Some of the recent ones include the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints, to name a few."
As you can see, Barber is garnering plenty of pre-draft interest, so Jacksonville could face some serious competition to land him.
Barber excels at pulling in the running game and has started at both offensive tackle spots. On top of that, he has the size and length to thrive at the NFL level. On the other hand, the former Gator struggles against speed rushers because he doesn't have great ability.
Nevertheless, Barber's upside could be too good to pass. He's projected to go in Round 3 and 4. The Jaguars have four picks in the third round and one in the fourth, so they could most definitely afford to use one of them on him.
It's also worth noting that Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report scouting department compares Barber to Ezra Cleveland, the current starter at left guard in Jacksonville.
Why it makes sense for the Jaguars to draft Austin Barber
Ezra Cleveland is entering a contract year, and Patrick Mekari is coming off an underwhelming first season in Jacksonville. The Jaguars have sophomore Wyatt Milum in the mix. He could replace Cleveland at left guard in 2027 or challenge Mekari for the starting job at right guard this offseason. However, it would make sense for the Jags to broaden their options.
Once the team's brass takes care of the interior defensive line and the pass rush, it should turn its attention to the offensive line. Sure, safety and corner could also use reinforcements, but Jacksonville has more than enough picks to bolster all three positions.
And if the Jags want to beef up the offensive line, Austin Barber most definitely makes sense. Even if he doesn't start as a rookie, he could offer depth and be thrust into action in case the injury bug strikes.
Even though the Jaguars won't have a first-round pick, they'll still have plenty of flexibility to maneuver the draft. There are different routes they can take. And if they chose to focus on the offensive line, Austin Barber should most definitely be an option.