The Colts have always had a great offensive line, but it’s gotten older and thinner over the years. Jalen Travis is expected to start at right tackle in 2026, after Braden Smith departed for the Houston Texans. In round three of the draft, they look to Gainesville and take Florida tackle Austin Barber. With him, they get a great deal of size (6’7 and 318 pounds) and experience (47 games and more than 2700 snaps).

Barber is a hard worker and smart to boot. He made the Academic Honor Roll four times in five college seasons. He has a background playing basketball, as most guys over 6’5 do in high school. This shows up in his footwork, which is quick and bouncy. He has hands like a vice and incredible strength. It’s nearly impossible for defenders to shed him once he’s made contact, and that extends to run blocking when he gets to the second level.

Defenders can work underneath Barber, who has poor hand placement at times, and he isn’t great as a run blocker unless he gets help. He is a great athlete, and the right offensive line coach will be able to get a high level of production out of him.