Welcome to Denver, Round 1, Jahdae Barron, CB

[SpringStein]

A three-year starter at Texas, Barron played the STAR hybrid position in defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s zone-heavy scheme, seeing time at corner, safety, nickel and dime. After playing primarily inside as an underclassman, he moved outside in 2024 (69.9 percent of his snaps at corner, 30.1 percent in slot/box/post) and led the SEC in both interceptions (five) and passes defended (16). He became the third Longhorn to win the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. Barron holds a master’s degree in coverage schemes and has done a great job developing the mental part of his game, giving himself a headstart keying and diagnosing the quarterback and blocking scheme.

Though he doesn’t have the movement burst for easy recoveries, he plays with supreme confidence and physicality without crossing the line, especially in zone coverage (two pass interference penalties over his last 35 games in college). Overall, Barron doesn’t have the top-tier size that most teams prioritize at the position, but he trusts his instincts and competes with the toughness and ball skills to hold up versus pass or run. Some teams view him as a nickel-only prospect, while others see his value to play multiple positions across the secondary.

 

[SpringStein]

Jahdae (zha-DAY) Barron, one of six children (two older brothers, three little sisters), was born in Corpus Christi, Texas (on the Gulf of Mexico), before moving to the Austin area in elementary school with his mother (Techonia Davis). He played multiple sports throughout childhood but separated himself on the football field in middle school. His cousin (Devin Lemear) is a rising senior safety at Baylor.

Barron attended John B. Connally High (Pflugerville school district), where he was a three-year varsity letterman (the team won just five combined games in those three seasons). He played on all three phases as a cornerback, wide receiver and returner. As a sophomore, he posted 48 tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble, along with a 63-yard punt return touchdown. Barron earned all-district honors on defense as a junior (68 tackles, six tackles for loss and two interceptions). As a senior, he was named second-team all-state (43 tackles and three interceptions; 41 receptions for 673 yards and six touchdowns; punt return touchdown). Barron also lettered in basketball and track (sprints and relays) and had personal bests of 10.95 seconds in the 100 meters and 23.14 in the 200.

A four-star recruit, Barron was the 25th-ranked cornerback in the 2020 recruiting class and the No. 51 recruit in Texas. After attending TCU’s junior day in March 2019, he received an offer from former head coach Gary Patterson and committed to the Horned Frogs. However, Barron felt like he rushed his decision and decommitted six weeks later. He added offers from Arizona, Oklahoma State and Tennessee. He received an offer from Baylor in June 2019 and committed a week later, after taking his official visit. Barron signed with Baylor during the early signing period in December 2019 and was the Bears’ second-ranked recruit in the class. But head coach Matt Rhule left for the NFL a few weeks later, so Barron was granted a release from his national letter of intent and entered the transfer portal.

He added offers from Virginia Tech and Washington State but was hoping his hometown Texas would enter the picture — he had grown up attending Texas games (his aunt worked with the Texas band and would get him passes). Chris Ash, who had offered Barron previously as head coach at Rutgers, was hired as Texas’ defensive coordinator around the same time and helped clear the way for Barron. Barron committed in April 2020 and was the sixth-ranked recruit in the Longhorns’ 2020 class (running back Bijan Robinson was No. 1).

He took advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA because of the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to Austin for his fifth season. (He switched his jersey number from No. 23 to No. 7, in honor of former Longhorn Michael Huff). Barron earned a spot on the Academic All-Big 12 first team and graduated with a degree (Dec. 2024). He declined his invitation to the Senior Bowl.

 

[Draft Crazy]

I am sad and happy.


Never expected an ounce of the draft process Barron would be there or be our guy. Love it but I had my mind all in on Hampton.

Better moment then when we passed on Reed for Lelie because we got a guy I liked just didn’t expect it.

DB is looking hella good in Denver!!!

That has a db whore like me jazzed.

 

[PumpFake]

I about fell over that my contest pick came in.

 

[Draft Crazy]

I about fell over that my contest pick came in.

That is awesome. I never in a million years expected Barron to be a Bronco. Take away the Hampton letdown and it was a nice surprise. Just really wanted Hampton but that doesn't take away how much I also like Barron.

 

[PumpFake]

…. and DC’s safety crush ends up in Baltimore ….. again.

 

[Draft Crazy]

…. and DC’s safety crush ends up in Baltimore ….. again.

You crack me up. You get me more then anyone else in this forum.. I feel like you are sitting next to me.

 

[PumpFake]

You crack me up. You get me more then anyone else in this forum.. I feel like you are sitting next to me.

This is a fun day to be here with you, my friend.

 

[58crash]

He knows you are a DB Whore ...

 

[PumpFake]

 

[LGM]

You know why this makes me happy? Now when we run zone, we'll actually have depth at cb with guys who excel at it.

 

[Orange Crush77]

You know why this makes me happy? Now when we run zone, we'll actually have depth at cb with guys who excel at it.

Excellent point

 

[Draft Crazy]

He knows you are a DB Whore ...

Yes he does.

 

[Draft Crazy]

As much as I wanted Hampton and didn't expect Barron to even be there when we picked the only pick that would have made me happy and not angry going to bed at night that we passed on Hampton would have been Barron.

So while I am sad about Hampton I am super happy about Barron and that will allow me to sleep tonight.




I love you guys! I love the draft! I love DB's. I love Texas!

Hook em!

 

[PumpFake]

Rest well, DC. You’re always a lot of fun. Especially during the draft.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Barron also has great character. Very humble guy. I remember when he won the Jim Thorpe award his interview was very impressive. Super humble.

 

[cdumler7]

Never thought it would be possible for Barron to fall this far. Figured Saints at 9, Dolphins at 13, Cardinals at 16, and the list can go on wouldn't let this guy get to us. I'm definitely frustrated we didn't get a RB but when I look at the list of guys still remaining like Henderson, Judkins, Johnson, Martinez, and Sampson I feel much better that we can still get our guy.

Heck TE Mason Taylor, Jayden Higgins, Tre Harris, Luther Burden, Jaylin Noel all still hanging around as other weapon choices there is going to be a talented player that could still fall to us at 51 that will boost this offense. And I do know for a fact the Broncos are trying to trade up for Henderson. He was one of their targets at 20 but Barron was just too much talent to pass up.