ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos added a key piece to their defensive backfield Thursday, selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Barron played his final college season for the Longhorns. He completed the year with 67 tackles, five interceptions, and 16 passes defensed across 16 games. He also contributed 2.5 tackles for loss and recorded one sack.
His performance earned him the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the nation's top defensive back. Barron led the SEC in interceptions and passes defensed.
A three-year starter, Barron also played in the slot during his college career. He received consensus All-American recognition in 2024.
He earned the Peach Bowl Defensive MVP award for his play in the postseason game. Additionally, Barron collected two All-Big 12 honors for his efforts in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Barron offers significant versatility for a defense. He described his fit with the Broncos scheme, noting the team likes players who move around.
At Texas, Barron stated he played in varied formations and roles. He sees this experience as a perfect match for what Denver does defensively.
He joins a cornerback group that includes Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss. Barron looks forward to learning from veteran players like Surtain and from Coach Vance Joseph.
Barron is the Broncos' highest drafted cornerback since Surtain in 2021. He becomes the fifth player the franchise selected with the 20th pick overall since 1967, joining notable names like safety Steve Atwater and tackle Garett Bolles.
He also served as a team captain. Barron scored three career touchdowns on defense and special teams during his time at Texas. Fans are already grading the pick.
Barron expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "I'm just going to embrace the opportunity, and I'm going to live up to the opportunity. I'm truly blessed to be in this position, and I'm very thankful right now," Barron said.
