At best, the NFL Draft selection of rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron by the Denver Broncos could prove to be a stroke of genius. At worst, it could prove to be a gross miscalculation that has resoundingly negative effects on the franchise.
Sean Payton has repeatedly confirmed that he’s high on his own ego. Who could forget that he “tricked” the Minnesota Vikings into drafting J.J. McCarthy so that he could make Bo Nix the sixth quarterback selection in the 2024 NFL Draft?
While McCarthy hasn’t had the chance to prove himself just yet, Nix already defied expectations and made the playoffs. Did that sleight of hand on draft day turn Payton into a walking devil’s advocate, or did he just make the smartest move of the 2025 draft?
Here’s what you need to know about new Broncos corner Jahdae Barron.
Jahdae Barron, Broncos first-round draft pick
Barron was the third-ranked cornerback in Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) database and the highest-ranked corner in his class. At 5-11, 200 pounds, his sensational campaign for the Texas Longhorns saw him hold his matchups to 17.8 receiving yards per game and quarterbacks to a 34.2 passer rating when targeted.
The shutdown defender did not allow a touchdown and came up with five interceptions, three of those in two games against the University of Georgia. He only missed seven tackles and lined up all over the field, including at corner (69.9 percent), in the box (14.6 percent), in the slot (12.6 percent), and even deep or up on the d-line (2.8 percent).
Even better, Barron’s on-field production was supported by his Combine testing. His 4.39 40-yard dash was sixth among corners, and he was 11th in the vertical leap (35”) and 12th in the broad jump (10’3”).
For all of his brilliant testing numbers, Barron’s intelligent understanding of zone coverage might be his best asset. His lightning-quick processing flashed on tape and fits the preferred scheme of Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
PFF shared that the Broncos used a single-high safety on 60.4 percent of their plays and were in zone on 52.7 percent of coverage snaps, often out of base nickel with press corners.
That’s a perfect system for Barron, a physical player who wants to get his hands on his opponents near the line of scrimmage and projects as a “big nickel.”
Is he needed?
Barron sounds like a slam-dunk draft pick for the Broncos, yes? The counterargument is that he was was a luxury, not a necessity.
Teams often take the approach of drafting the best player available and working around their roster limitations. It wouldn’t be difficult to argue that Barron was the best player available when the Broncos made their draft pick at 20, leaving little to debate on that front.
However, the Broncos are coming off a season in which they gave up the third-fewest points per game (19.0) and led the NFL in defensive EPA per play, allowing one fewer point per play than expected.
They also have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II, at the primary corner position and at the ripe age of 25, with Riley Moss, also 25, opposite him.
Offense is a totally different story. The team was 10th in scoring and 16th in EPA per play, broken down to 17th in both EPA per dropback and rush play.
The starting wide receiver trio of Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Devaughn Vele was comfortably one of the worst in the league, and the loss of Javonte Williams left Payton with only Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield.
UCF running back RJ Harvey was chosen to fill the vacancy for the cost of a second-round pick, although that was widely viewed as a reach. The front office also passed on the chance to take North Carolina bruiser Omarion Hampton and receivers such as Matthew Golden, Jayden Higgins, and Luther Burden III with their first-round selection.
The jury is deliberating
In fairness to Payton and the Broncos, the defense will need to defend its pants off to quell the storms created by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert, and Pete Carroll and the better-than-advertised Geno Smith, plus Ashton Jeanty.
That’s not to mention first-overall pick Cam Ward, Trevor Lawrence, Dak Prescott, Joe Burrow, Jordan Love, C.J. Stroud, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels, all of whom are on the team’s 2025 schedule.
Even as an offensive guy, Payton proved last year that he has the wherewithal to field a top-flight defense. Slotting Barron into a defensive backfield that now also includes free-agent signing and safety Talanoa Hufanga gives Denver a shout at having the best secondary in the league.
The lack of support around Nix is still a glaring concern. Coming off a rookie campaign in which he completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, most of his best work was around the line of scrimmage. That’s with his offensive line ranking first in pass- and run-block win rate, per ESPN Analytics, a feat that will be nearly impossible to replicate.
Harvey will need to develop into a legitimate starting-level back to give Nix the reprieve he needs to open up the passing game. Even then, there’s no guarantee that the receivers are able to create enough separation to truly unlock the downfield passing game.
In many ways, the best version of the Broncos’ offense is likely another draft and free-agency period away.
None of that takes away from the draft pick of Barron, who is in line to become a resounding success for the Broncos. This selection, while it did not patch any holes or help the franchise’s most important player, will give Denver long-term security in one of the most talent-rich divisions and conferences the league has seen.
Broncos Jahdae Barron draft grade: A-
