The Cleveland Browns open the 2026 NFL season on the road Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and one of the biggest storylines heading into Week 1 is whether rookie offensive lineman Austin Barber earns the starting right guard spot. 

Cleveland selected Barber, a former Florida offensive tackle, in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft back in April. Late in training camp, the Browns moved him inside to right guard, and he looked the part.

The Browns already know they’ll start first-round pick Spencer Fano at left tackle, making the right guard competition the final piece of Cleveland’s revamped offensive line puzzle. The other option at right guard is Teven Jenkins, who has been dealing with an injury throughout the preseason.

Todd Monken leaves the door open for Barber to start

Browns head coach Todd Monken was asked earlier this week whether a competition at right guard would play out before the opener. 

“We’ll have to see,” Monken said. I really hadn’t thought about it, but I would think it’s close enough to where, but we’ll see where Teven (Jenkins) is when we get out there today.”

It remains unclear whether Jenkins will be healthy enough to have the starting job by Sunday. If Barber does get the nod at right guard in Week 1, he would have a real chance to hold down that job from that point on and become a long-term fixture for the Browns along the interior.

Barber played tackle at Florida, but his transition to guard has gone smoothly through the preseason. Right guard may be his best spot along the offensive line, where he can showcase the motor he operates with and his ability to get downfield as a blocker. Those traits translate well to the interior, where physicality and effort matter on every snap.

The best outcome for the Browns is having two rookie offensive linemen on rookie contracts who can play above-average football. That would represent the ideal scenario for rebuilding an offensive line that skewed old last season. Fano at left tackle and Barber at right guard would give Cleveland a young, cost-effective foundation to build around for years.

This game marks quarterback Deshaun Watson’s first start since rupturing his Achilles during the 2024 season, and a strong offensive line in front of him will be critical. The Browns open with two consecutive road games, making it important to establish an identity up front early.

Whether Barber starts in Week 1 or works his way into the lineup later, expect the rookie to see the field at some point this season.