Jahdae Barron was not one of the names fans inside Broncos Country expected to hear called as the next member of the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Many expected the team to take the best offensive playmaker available, whether that be a running back, wide receiver, or tight end.
But when the moment of truth came, George Paton and Sean Payton decided they could not pass on the talent of last year's Jim Thorpe Award winner.
Barron didn't just beat out anyone to win that award. One of the finalists was the player many felt was the best college football player in the country last season, Travis Hunter. Barron has tremendous instincts on the football field and can offer the kind of versatility that many prospects don't have.
He can line up at safety, on the outside or where he projects best in the NFL, the nickel corner role of playing in the slot.
Slot corners have become more and more valuable in recent years and many teams have gone to a pass-heavy approach on offense. However, many teams opt to put a smaller, less physical defensive back in that spot and have them make up for their lack of size with speed.
Barron offers both. If you watch film from him playing last season at Texas, there were several instances where he ran the receivers' routes for them. At 5-foot-11 and right at about 200 pounds, he presents tremendous size for the position and can be physical in the tackling game.
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There will be some moans and groans over the fact that this pick may not have filled a pressing need for the Broncos, but that should not overshadow the fact that the team could conceivably have the best secondary in all of football this coming season.
Remember the No Fly Zone in Denver? That worked out pretty well. With Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, Brandon Jones, Talanoa Hufanga and now Barrow, the Broncos could have the makings of a brand new No Fly Zone.
The only negatives you should hear about this pick are from fans who felt the team needed to go with an offensive player at No. 20. There are no knocks on Barron's on-field performances and the value the team received in the spot it took him is evident.
Good pick, good grade.
Grade: A-
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