Browns’ Best Player So Far Might Not Be Who You Think

The Cleveland Browns have had several notable individual performances this season, some more unexpected than others. They have helped them start the season 1-1, which is a bit of a surprise.

Rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston has lived up to the hype with long touchdown catches in each of the first two games. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has exceeded much lower expectations, but he has shown that he may be a viable NFL starter after all.

However, no one has been better, or maybe a bigger surprise, than rookie offensive lineman Austin Barber, who has graded out as the Browns’ best player so far, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Austin Barber is having a helluva rookie season so far for the Browns,” PFF posted.

Austin Barber is having a helluva rookie season so far for the Browns pic.twitter.com/mDCj62otbV

— PFF (@PFF) September 25, 2026

Barber has the highest pass block win rate in the NFL at 98.5 percent. He is ahead of Tennessee Titans center Austin Schlattmann (98.4 percent), Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson (97.4 percent), and New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (97.1 percent). Each of those other players has at least eight years of NFL experience.

A third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Barber wasn’t in consideration for the starting lineup until the late stages of training camp. After playing tackle at the University of Florida, the Browns moved Barber inside to guard, looking for an upgrade over projected starter Teven Jenkins, who missed multiple practices with a back injury.

Then, with Jenkins inactive for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Barber was given the assignment. He graded out very well in that game, and he continued to play well in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a 23-19 upset that was Cleveland’s first win of the season.

Finding an offensive line starter in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft is another coup for Browns general manager Andrew Berry and his staff. In addition, No. 9 overall pick Spencer Fano has the fifth-best pass-block win rate among all offensive tackles at 93.0 percent, according to ESPN.

Now, the two rookies will look to continue their strong play in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers.