Broncos select Jahdae Barron with 20th overall pick

The Denver Broncos selected Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 20th overall.

Barron grabbed five interceptions in 2024. He finished his career with eight picks at the collegiate level.

He joins a secondary featuring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain.

Pre-draft profile

Barron capped his five-year college career with an outstanding season to win the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the nation. He demonstrates impressive instincts as a zone defender, anticipating routes and putting himself in position to disrupt the catch point. His short-area quickness allows him to break on the ball in a flash. And while there were some questions about his long speed, potentially impacting his fit on the outside, Barron silenced doubters by running a sub-4.4 40-time at the combine. Slot duties may still represent his best fit at the next level, allowing him to leverage his contributions in run support and as a blitzer off the edge. Such a role could also help him avoid some issues created by his lack of length. But the smarts and natural coverage skills will play across the board, including on the boundary or even at safety. Barron should be seen as one of the best defensive players in this class.