The Denver Broncos got a bit of a scare with rookie first-round draft pick and former Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron.
Barron was the No. 20 overall pick of the 2025 draft, and he is expected to bring a versatile, high-level presence to an already-talent-laden secondary and defense in general for the Broncos. His absence from Thursday’s practice drew plenty of attention.
Barron is dealing with an injury, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton put any concerns to bed.
“He’s fine,” Payton told reporters on August 21. “We held him out, just soft tissue. He’s fine. We anticipate him playing.”
Barron has recorded 5 total tackles and allowed 66.7% completion in the preseason, per Pro Football Focus.
He was a five-year performer at Texas, finishing his career with 226 total tackles, 24 pass deflections, 21 tackles for loss, 8 interceptions, 2 fumbles recovered, and 1 forced. He also returned 2 defensive touchdowns, one off an interception and the other a recovered fumble.
The Broncos are fortunate that Barron is not dealing with anything more serious.
Broncos Rave About Jahdae Barron
GettyJahdae Barron #12 of the Denver Broncos warm up before facing the San Francisco 49ers.
The Broncos made Barron the first pure CB off the board in the 2025 draft. He joins a Broncos team that ranked third in points allowed, seventh overall, and 19th against the pass.
They also led the NFL with a franchise-record 63 sacks, some of which were due to stronger coverage than their numbers might suggest. Encouragingly, his teammates have raved about what they have seen from him already.
Broncos All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety Talanoa Hufanga has been among them.
“He’s the real deal,” Hufanaga said, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz on August 20. “Been moving all around the field making a ton of plays. He can really tackle too. That’s huge for a young corner.”
“Everybody is talking about the ‘deer in the headlights,’ and being a rookie, and it’s like ‘the bright lights.’ But he’s been calm under pressure, and that’s a really cool thing,” Hufanga told reporters on August 7. “He’s trusting his technique, he’s being a leader that he was at Texas, and he’s bringing it to this DB room as a young guy. You would think he’s a vet already. So, very blessed just to be beside him.”
Fellow cornerback Riley Moss lauded Barron’s football IQ, commitment to his routine, and trustworthiness on the field during his media availability in July.
Jahdae Barron Gets Honest About First NFL Game
GettyJahdae Barron #12 of the Denver Broncos kneels in the end zone before facing the Arizona Cardinals.
Barron was available in the locker room after the Broncos’ preseason Week 2 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He spoke confidently about expecting them to perform as they have, but he also reflected fondly on his first time playing in front of the home crowd.
Barron called it a “blessing.”
“I got out there at first, first two plays, and it was more like a – just kind of taking it all in. Jesus, he has me right here at this moment,” Barron told reporters on August 17.
“You’re supposed to be ready, and things like that, but it was just such a real moment that He put me in this place. I know He’s going to take me to a lot of different places. Football takes you to places that you’ll never imagine. Like, we’re going to go to London, and things like that, and I never thought I would go there. So, just kind of having the ability to be on the field and just to do something I love, I’m truly blessed.”
Barron and the Broncos will close out the preseason with a visit to the New Orleans Saints.
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