ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver has added to its impressive defensive backfield.
The Broncos selected Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Barron recorded 67 tackles, five interceptions, 16 passes defensed, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack in 16 games in his final season for the Longhorns.
The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top defensive back, Barron led the SEC in both interceptions and passes defensed.
"I bring a lot of versatility to the defense," Barron said Thursday. "I'm going to play my role. I'm going to master a position. I'm going to learn from the vets. I can't wait to learn from Patrick Surtain [II]. I can't wait to learn from Coach [Vance] Joseph. It's going to be amazing. … I'm just going to embrace the opportunity, and I'm going to live up to the opportunity. I'm truly blessed to be in this position, and I'm very thankful right now."
A three-year starter who also has experience playing in the slot, Barron was named a consensus All-American in 2024 and was the Peach Bowl Defensive MVP. Barron also earned two other All-Big 12 honors for his 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
"The only reason I had an idea is they like guys that are very versatile, and the things that they do on that defense and with that defense and with the players, they move a lot of guys around," said Barron on if he expected to be drafted by Denver. "They do a lot of different looks. At Texas, I played in a lot of different looks. I played a lot of different places on defense, a lot of different roles. And it's a perfect fit."
A team captain, Barron recorded three career touchdowns across defense and special teams.
The Broncos have now made the 20th-overall pick on five occasions since 1967, and Barron joins a group that includes Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater and second-team All-Pro tackle Garett Bolles. He is the Broncos' highest drafted cornerback since the team selected Surtain in 2021.
Barron will join a cornerback group that includes Surtain, Riley Moss and several other players.
"I just can't wait to be a part of it all," Barron said. "It's going to be amazing. I'm so excited to play in Broncos Country."
