Barron vaulted into the first round discussion after an outstanding 2024 season that culminated in him winning the Thorpe Award.
AUSTIN, Texas — A stalwart of the Texas Longhorns defense in 2024 now has his NFL home.
Former Longhorns defensive back and Austin native Jahdae Barron was taken 20th overall by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.
After winning the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, Barron saw his draft stock rise over the course of the 2024 season to a point where he was widely projected to be a top 15 pick.
Barron, who played his high school years at Connally High School, was integral to Texas having the best pass defense in the country this past season. He finished the 2024 season with five interceptions, tied for second in the conference and was named First Team All-SEC as a defensive back.
Barron has also been praised for his ability to defend the run and contain receivers at the point of catch, as well as his positional versatility having played snaps at both safety and linebacker.
Barron will now join a Broncos defensive backfield that includes reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, and he could very well serve as the team’s No. 2 cornerback as soon as his rookie season.