The Denver Broncos went off the beaten path on Thursday night, selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with their first-round pick.
The selection of Barron adds the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner to the same secondary that the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II plays on. For that reason alone, this is an exciting pick. The Broncos, who already had one of the league's best defenses, have a chance to lead the league in that category in 2025.
Many Broncos fans are still not happy that the team passed on the chance to add another offensive weapon to aid in the growth of quarterback Bo Nix, but the team still has six picks in this draft with which to do that.
Grades are starting to be passed out for every team's first-round choice. How do the experts out there feel about the Broncos' selection of Barron?
Denver Broncos first-round draft grades for Jahdae Barron
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: A-
"The Broncos could have chosen to go offense, but with Egbuka off the board, it made sense to land Barron to give them a massive upgrade in slot coverage between ace shutdown corner Pat Surtain II and young playmaker Riley Moss. The best available approach was smart, keeping up their defensive-minded offseason theme."
"Barron showed the ability to play outside corner, nickel and free safety during his Texas career. He proved his long speed with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine and showed the physicality/instincts to be a plus starter very early in his career. I believe he’s one of the top 12 players in this draft class.
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The Broncos passed on running back Omarion Hampton even though they have a big need at that position. They can meet that need a bit later in the draft, though, and Barron's value was too good to ignore."
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A
"The Denver Broncos know what they’re doing. They’re building on a strength by adding a dynamic young defensive back in Texas’ Jahdae Barron.
Last season, the Broncos finished third in scoring defense. However, they finished 19th in pass defense despite featuring star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year.
The Broncos' problem is that they didn't have strong complementary cornerbacks. Barron immediately solves that issue, regardless of where Denver wants to play him.
One of the best compliments an athlete can receive is that everyone should want to coach them because of their attitude and how they play the game. Barron is one of those prospects.
Barron listened to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and came back for a fifth season with the Longhorns. He improved his game, became a consensus All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back.
Barron can serve as a Swiss army knife in Denver's secondary. He's capable of playing outside corner, over the slot and some safety. Wherever he's lined up, he'll be around the ball and making plays."
Ian Valentino, The 33rd Team: C
"It's shocking to see the Denver Broncos forgo their need at running back to go with someone who will likely be a slot cornerback. They also passed on Michigan's Will Johnson.
Jahdae Barron will be a fan favorite because he plays hard, is highly intelligent, and can force turnovers, but he also has enough physical deficiencies to be concerned about."
My Grade: A-
It seems that all but one expert on the panel, Ian Valentino, loved the pick for the Broncos. The team did pass on some definite offensive playmakers, but it's hard to fault a group that took the highest-rated player on their board.
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