With the No. 20 overall pick of the 2025 draft, the Denver Broncos selected former Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.
The offseason was rife with speculation tying them to the top tight ends and running backs.
Instead, the Broncos went in a wholly different direction with Barron. His addition could mean big changes for 2024 CB2 Riley Moss and nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II.
“I’m initially told Jahdae Barron will play nickel for the Broncos,” DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens reported on X on April 24. “Riley Moss stays outside.
“Could change and Riley Moss could go inside.”
“Would think the aggressive, tackling-machine Riley Moss may move to nickel,” 9News’ Mike Klis posted on X on April 24. “Surtain and Barron on outside.”
McMillain might be the odd man out after the Broncos chose to, per Stevens, “shock the world.”
He allowed a career-worst 64.4% completion rate in his coverage in 2024, per Pro Football Reference. McMillian was NB1 for the Broncos last season, starting nine of his 17 games played and logging the sixth-most snaps of any Denver defender.
Re-signed to a one-year, $1 million contract this offseason, McMillian could be a trade or cut candidate ahead of the regular season after the Broncos’ first draft pick.
Spotrac projects a four-year, $18 million contract for Barron.
Broncos Beat Stunned by Jahdae Barron Pick in 1st Round of 2025 Draft
Barron was a consensus All-American and the Jim Thorpe Award winner, bestowed upon the nation’s top DB, in 2024. He had 67 total tackles and his 5 interceptions led the SEC.
Nonetheless, the Broncos making him their first pick in the draft was surprising.
“Wow. Sean Payton and #Broncos buck all pre-draft projection and go CB at No. 20,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans posted on X on April 24. “Jahdae Barron was really good in coverage last year, as a tackler at Texas. Big-time athleticism at 4.39 40-yard-dash.”
Sleeper Broncos called Barron a “fascinating pick,” noting some of his standout metrics from this past season.