Broncos First Round Pick Called ‘Too Good’ To Keep Out Of Starting Lineup

The Denver Broncos bet big on defense in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft with University of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron at No. 20 overall despite having desperate needs on offense at running back and tight end.

Barron, it turns out, seems like he might actually have a big role on arguably the NFL’s best defense as either the starting slot cornerback or the starting outside cornerback opposite NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II.

Headed into training camp, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder thinks it’s a no-brainer that Barron is in the starting lineup when the Broncos take the field for their season opener on September 7 at home against the Tennessee Titans.

“Whether it’s on the perimeter opposite Pat Surtain II or inside at nickel, expect to see Barron in the Broncos’ starting lineup,” Holder wrote on July 9. “While last year’s starters Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian return, both left the door open for someone to take their jobs with their play last year. Ultimately, the Texas product’s talent and versatile skill set are too good for Denver to keep him off the field.”

Barron was an All-Big 12 selection in 2023 and earned All-SEC honors and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back in 2024 as he led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals for the first time.

Barron Might Be Primed For NFL Defensive POY

Barron could be a dark horse candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

He has +2200 odds as of May 1, according to Vegas Insider — New York Giants edge rusher and No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter is the favorite at +250 odds followed by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback/wide receiver and No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter at +750 odds.

“This Is Football” host Kevin Clark put Barron at the top of his list of “Instant Impact Rookies” on April 30.

At the NFL scouting combine, Barron, 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing, 4.39 seconds.

“(Barron) has enough versatility to line up at corner, safety, slot outside and is a dime linebacker,” Clark said. “He can kind of do everything. And I’m already looking at this Denver defense and seeing where he’s going to fit in really easily and there’s playmakers all over the place … I’m having a hard time seeing Barron not being an instant impact star and that Broncos team winning a bunch of games this year.”

One problem? Barron has yet to sign his 4-year, $18 million rookie contract.

Broncos Have 3 NFL All-Pro Picks On Defense

Barron couldn’t have asked to be in a better place to start his NFL career. Not only does Surtain return to serve as a mentor and the Alpha Dog in the secondary, the Broncos also bring back a returning starter at the other cornerback spot in Riley Moss and have a former NFL All-Pro at safety in free agent Talanoa Hufanga.

Surtain is also one of 3 NFL All-Pro selections from 2024 who return along with interior defensive lineman Zach Allen and edge rusher Nik Bonitto, who was a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year alongside Surtain.