ENGLEWOOD, CO — The Denver Broncos made a bold move to strengthen their secondary on Thursday night, selecting Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior out of Texas was a first-team All-American and Jim Thorpe Award winner in 2024. Known for his physicality, ball skills, and football IQ, Barron enters the NFL as one of the most versatile and polished defensive backs in this class.

“We weren’t expecting him to be there,” GM George Paton said.
“He was pretty high up on our board. He’s just a playmaker. Great instincts, anticipation, zone awareness, really sticky in man. He’s a fun watch. We kept watching the tape and didn’t want to stop.”

Versatility That Matches the Scheme

Barron is a seamless fit for Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s system, which thrives on disguise and flexibility. During his career at Texas, Barron lined up as a boundary corner, nickel, and safety — often in the same game. That positional adaptability made him stand out.

“You see snaps all over the film,” said Head Coach Sean Payton.
“Junior, senior year — inside, outside — and his football IQ is outstanding. His versatility was one of the most attractive things about him. We don’t have to pigeonhole him into one spot.”

The Broncos have a connection to Barron beyond the film room. Vance Joseph’s brother, Mickey, served as Barron’s position coach at Texas. That long-term insight helped solidify the team’s confidence.

“There’s a ton of intel when you’ve got that kind of connection,” Payton added.
“He was an A-plus interview — elite learner — and when you combine that with the film, it minimizes the margin for error. We knew what kind of person and teammate we were getting.”

Barron’s Take: “It’s Perfect”

Barron, emotional and humbled during his media session, called joining the Broncos “a blessing.”

“I bring a lot of versatility to the defense,” Barron said.
“I’m going to play my role, master my position, and learn from the vets. I can’t wait to learn from [CB] Pat Surtain II and Coach Vance Joseph. It’s going to be amazing.”

Barron had a pre-draft conversation with Surtain — not knowing they’d soon be teammates.

“I actually called Pat the other day through a connection. I was supposed to hit him back… he might make me carry his pads now,” Barron joked.

Toughness and Intelligence

The Broncos emphasized Barron’s tackling ability and play strength, which became a necessity for their sub-package-heavy defensive structure.

“Tackling is a prerequisite,” Payton said.
“You can’t have bad tacklers at corner in today’s NFL. He’s physical. He anticipates. He’ll hit you. And he has real ball skills. That’s rare.”

Barron finished his 2024 season with 67 total tackles, 5 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups while not surrendering a single touchdown in coverage.

“We lost some guys to injuries last year,” Paton noted.
“You can’t have enough cover players. He was too unique to pass up.”

Best Player Available — Not Just a Need

While cornerback didn’t appear to be Denver’s most pressing need, the pick was all about value and positional importance.

“It’s a premium position,” Paton explained.
“There were trade-back scenarios, but we knew there were still plenty of runners and offensive players left in this draft. We wanted the best defensive weapon, and Barron was that.”

Bright Future in Broncos Country

Barron now joins a defensive backfield led by All-Pro Pat Surtain II and veteran P.J. Locke — another Texas alum Barron said he looks up to.

“I can’t wait to be a part of the DB culture down there,” he said.
“I’m smart, I’m hungry, and I’m ready to contribute however I can. It’s really going to be amazing.”

With high football character, elite tape, and a chip on his shoulder, Jahdae Barron might just be the kind of pick that will enhance the defense to the next level.