With the 2026 NFL Draft just under two weeks away, now is the time for the Buffalo Bills to plan on filling their vacant positions with players who departed from the team.
It was time for swing tackle Ryan Van Demark to venture out and leave the Bills to sign with the Minnesota Vikings last month. The well-liked offensive tackle signed a one-year, $4.27 million contract with the team after the Bills chose not to match his offer.
Ideal replacement for swing tackle position
At 6-foot-6, 314 pounds, Austin Barber has the right size to be able to play at left tackle while also being athletic enough to play right as well. Van Demark was smaller at 6-foot-6, 307 pounds, and at 28 years old, he is getting up there in age.
The Bills, however, do have another option at right tackle: Spencer Brown, a 6-foot-8, 311-pound swing tackle who naturally plays on the right side of the line and can play left tackle if needed.
With uncertainty behind left tackle Dion Dawkins, Barber would be a great addition. He could eventually be slotted in as the starting left tackle, while Brown would start on the right. And they could be used in each other's positions if needed.
Who is Austin Barber?
Barber recently played his college ball at the University of Florida, where he made 38 career SEC starts playing against some of the best defenses in the country.
Despite being a natural left tackle in college, he impressed at the Senior Bowl by flawlessly transitioning to right tackle and impressing NFL scouts with his versatility and on-the-fly adaptability.
What Barber did in 2025
The skillful offensive lineman started all 12 games in Gainesville, Florida, marking a 90.7 PFF run-blocking grade and only permitting three sacks and one QB hit the whole year.
While in the NFL, he would have to be more of a powerful pass and run blocker between the tackles. But during college, Barber's rare athletic talent for running screens and RPOs in space highlights his potential and flexibility.
With all the talent the Bills have around them, Barber would have time to work with offensive line coach Pat Meyer on his pass and run blocking skills to get acclimated with the team's offensive line.
Barber has indicated that he has had Zoom meetings with several NFL clubs, including the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and Carolina Panthers.
The Bills need to find a replacement for Van Demark, and Barber could be a younger, higher-potential fit. He can go in as either the starting left tackle for Dawkins or the right tackle if Brown goes down. All in all, Barber could be their starting left tackle of the future in case they decided to trade Dawkins for draft assets or a reliable guard or sign him.
Barber is currently projected to be drafted in either Round 2 or 3, but some scouts have him as a Round 1 grade as his stock is rising.