On April 24, 2025, the Denver Broncos did something they had done only one other time in the past decade – use a first-round pick on a defensive back.
The Broncos possessed the No. 20 overall pick in the latest edition of the NFL Draft, and they used it to select Jahdae Barron, a two-year starter in Texas' secondary. The last time the franchise made a similar transaction was in 2021, when they drafted 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II.
During the team's rookie minicamp and OTAs, Barron has played as both an inside and outside cornerback, and he has sometimes appeared in the slot.
While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton confirmed his plan to have Barron occupy a versatile role in the team's secondary.
"He's extremely smart, and he played both at Texas. His instincts are real, real high, so you can give him more than, maybe, some other younger player at the same position," Payton said. "Some guys, you might say, 'Hey, let's leave just him at left corner or right corner before we do it.' He's one of those players that can handle volume."
Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron (12) during rookie minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.
Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron (12) during rookie minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Even though Payton plans to play Barron at both inside and outside cornerback, he does not anticipate adding reps at safety to Barron's repertoire so early in his professional career. Payton used Malcolm Jenkins, a since-retired cornerback who debuted during Payton's head coaching tenure with the New Orleans Saints, as a foil to Barron.
"I don't have the same vision that I did for Malcolm. Malcolm came in in '09, played nickel and then went to safety," Payton said. "Now, I'm not saying he couldn't in a pinch, but the vision for him is corner, inside and outside."
Barron was the first defensive back taken off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, a fitting accolade after he won the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the top defensive back in college football. His final season with the Longhorns in 2024 also included consensus All-American nominations, a spot on the All-SEC First Team and a trip to the College Football Playoff.