Denver Broncos select Jahdae Barron in 1st round of 2025 NFL Draft

Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron has been selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He was taken with the No. 20 overall pick.

Barron turned into a star at Texas, where he helped lead the Longhorns to back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances. He was a key part of the secondary.

During his five-year career with the Longhorns, Jahdae Barron logged 226 tackles, 21.0 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks, eight interceptions, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, two defensive touchdowns and 24 passes defended.

He was most productive as a senior in 2024. During that lone campaign, he tallied 67 tackles, 3.0 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks, a career best five interceptions, a fumble recovery and 11 passes defended (also a career high).

That’s the kind of player that will hit the NFL ranks next season. He figures to be able to adjust to the higher level of competition quickly.

Prior to enrolling at Texas, Jahdae Barron was ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 413 overall player in the 2020 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He also checked in as the No. 36 cornerback in his class and the No. 58 overall player from the state of Texas, hailing from Austin (TX) Pflugerville Connally.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Jahdae Barron

After a strong college career, Jahdae Barron has put out plenty of tape. Unlike others, he spent a full five years in college, so more is known about him than most.

Most seem to peg him as a nickelback at the next level. The NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein had the following to say in evaluating Barron as a prospect:

“Big nickelback was in the right place at the right time throughout his impressive 2024 season. Barron played smothering coverage underneath, fueled by route recognition, footwork and play strength. His instincts allow him to pounce on catch points or tackle pass catchers immediately from zone.

“However, he lacks recovery speed deep and can be a little too grabby at the top of the route in man. Tackle technique in run support is a shade inconsistent but looks easily correctable. The size and tape work in his favor as a physical nickel who can be an early contributor and future starter, with the potential to cross-train as a safety.”