The Denver Broncos have brought rookie first-round draft pick and defensive back Jahdae Barron along slowly, but the youngster believes he has made the most of his limited opportunities on the field, including in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Barron, the No. 20 overall selection of the 2025 draft, took issue with a set of statistics on his performance so far.
Barron sought evidence, but later removed his request, at least from the public eye.
Broncos DB Jahdae Barron Pushes Back on Stats Update
GettyJahdae Barron #12 of the Denver Broncos in action against the San Francisco 49ers.
Barron came across a post from The Denver Post’s Luca Evans that highlighted the rookie production through five weeks.
“#Broncos rookie CB Jahdae Barron only had 10 snaps vs. Eagles, but had best game of his young career so far,” Evans posted on X on October 6. “Two stops, 1 catch allowed on 3 targets, one big third-down PBU.
“On the year, has allowed four catches in 9 targets for 18 yards, per @NextGenStats.”
“Show me the 4 catches and show me the 1 catch yesterday……,” Barron posted in response in the since-deleted response.
Pro Football Focus corroborated TruMedia’s account of Barron’s showing, crediting him with one reception on three targets and 1 pass deflection in his coverage. However, Pro Football Reference notably listed Barron as not having faced any targets in coverage in Week 5.
In a twist, Pro Football Reference has Barron at 4-of-7 completion for 28 yards and 1 touchdown allowed this season.
Per Pro Football Focus, Barron has allowed 4-for-9 completion for 21 yards, and 0 TD passes.
Jahdae Barron Playing Time Remains Subject of Consternation
GettyJonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball as Jahdae Barron #23 of the Denver Broncos defends.
Barron has logged 84 snaps on defense for the Broncos this season, and his 10 logged in the Broncos’ win over the Eagles in Week 5 were his fewest of the season. Barron had logged no fewer than 16 defensive snaps in any game during Weeks 1 through 4.
There has been angst over Barron, who does have one start to his credit and has played in all five games so far.
The Broncos deploy various defensive personnel packages to maximize their situations.
Barron has played 26% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps, per PFR, behind the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II (99.7%), but also Riley Moss (100%), and nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian (63.8%).
Moss has allowed 46.9% completion, McMillian 60%, and Surtain 61.1%. However, Moss and Surtain have both faced 18-plus targets. McMillian has faced 10 looks in coverage.
Whether or not the Broncos have any plans to give Barron more playing time is unclear.
Jahdae Barron Reunites With Former Longhorns Teammate
GettyAndrew Mukuba #4 and Jahdae Barron #7 of the Texas Longhorns pose after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
While the Broncos got the win over the Eagles, Barron and fellow former Texas Longhorns DB, Philly’s rookie Andrew Mukuba, met up on the field to swap jerseys afterward.
The scene drew attention.
“Childhood friends and former Longhorns Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba swapped jerseys after the game,” KVUE’s Cory Mose posted on X on October 5, with the clip Barron originally posted to his Instagram.“Cool moment for the Austin natives.”
Barron will look to return to his normal range of reps, if not surpass it, as the Broncos take on the New York Jets in Week 6 in London.
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