Former Texas Longhorns DB Jahdae Barron is making a great first impression with Broncos

USA Today

12-05-2025

Former Texas Longhorns DB Jahdae Barron is making a great first impression with Broncos
Over the last week, teams across the NFL got their first look at their rookies in minicamps. That includes Jahdae Barron, who was drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos. So far, Broncos head coach Sean Payton and his coaching staff have been impressed by what they have seen from the former Longhorn.
During the draft, the Broncos' plan was to take the best player available. In the first round, it was Barron when they were on the clock, and he came as advertised.
"I would say [he is] exactly what we saw on tape: smart, savvy," Payton said of Barron on Saturday. "If you're watching closely, some people transition and stop very quickly. He has really quick twitch. I'd say he's sticky in coverage."
For many in Austin, Payton's assessment comes as no surprise. In four seasons as a Longhorn, Barron recorded 227 total tackles and 32 pass deflections. He also had eight interceptions, including a career-high five during the 2024 campaign. With Barron leading the secondary, Texas was a hard team for offensive coordinators to plan against.
As the Texas native frustrated opposing quarterbacks, he added to his trophy case. Last year, Barron won the Jim Thorpe Award. The award is given annually to the nation's top defensive back. While that raised expectations, Barron is focusing on enjoying the process and learning as much as he can every practice.
"It's fun just to be out here. Last time I put on a helmet was a long time ago, so I'm just enjoying the process," Barron said. "It's good—just learning, learning information, taking information in from all the coaches. But I'm just blessed, truly blessed."
If Barron becomes the player he is projected to be, the Broncos will have a franchise player in their secondary for years. So far, his play and work ethic have created more excitement for his future.