The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber plans on taking full advantage. Barber recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Barber also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his pro comparisons at offensive tackle, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Barber better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Austin Barber: I was actually in the coaching office. He called a couple of us into the office. My initial reaction… I was very pumped. I had really been looking forward to hopefully getting that Senior Bowl invite.
JM: It doesn’t sound like you needed much convincing, but what motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Austin Barber: When you look at the Senior Bowl historically, it’s a great place for prospects to improve their pre-draft stock. There’s a proven history there. If you go there and play well against the best of the best, it’ll ultimately help you.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Austin Barber: I want to prove that I’m a versatile player. I just want to perform at the highest level.
JM: You played a ton of left tackle at Florida. What versatility are you hoping to display?
Austin Barber: The first time I ever got on the field at Florida, it was at right tackle. I started five games in 2022 at right tackle. I want to show that I can still play on that side. I want to prove to NFL teams that I can play both left and right tackle.
JM: We love that versatility. How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Austin Barber: I love football first and foremost. I’m a tough player. I’m a good leader. I always put the team first. In every situation, I’m a team-first guy. I feel like I’ve improved in every single season. I’m still working to get better, but I have a nice, clean pass set.
I’d say I’m a pretty damn good prospect.
JM: Are you more of a phone-booth blocker or agile in space?
Austin Barber: It might depend on who you’re asking. A lot of times when playing offensive tackle, you’re going up against the fastest guys on the defensive line.
I love showcasing my agility, but sometimes, you have to go out there and jack somebody up in a phone booth.
JM: That’s a great answer. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL offensive tackle, who would you choose and why? Is there anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Austin Barber: That’s a tough question. I like to watch Garett Bolles and Spencer Brown. Obviously, Trent Williams. He’s been doing it at a high level for so long. I really don’t know who I’d compare myself to. That’s tough for me to do.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Austin Barber?
Austin Barber: I just plan on putting my best foot forward. I’m going to work through the areas of my game that require improvement. I want to prove I can do those things.
I want to show I can play both left and right tackle. Winning a bunch of reps would be pretty nice. I’m going out there with confidence.