ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver has added to its impressive defensive backfield.
The Broncos selected Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Barron recorded 67 tackles, five interceptions, 16 passes defensed, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack in 16 games in his final season for the Longhorns.
The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top defensive back, Barron led the SEC in both interceptions and passes defensed.
"I bring a lot of versatility to the defense," Barron said Thursday. "I'm going to play my role. I'm going to master a position. I'm going to learn from the vets. I can't wait to learn from Patrick Surtain [II]. I can't wait to learn from Coach [Vance] Joseph. It's going to be amazing. … I'm just going to embrace the opportunity, and I'm going to live up to the opportunity. I'm truly blessed to be in this position, and I'm very thankful right now."
A three-year starter who also has experience playing in the slot, Barron was named a consensus All-American in 2024 and was the Peach Bowl Defensive MVP. Barron also earned two other All-Big 12 honors for his 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
Flip through photos of CB Jahdae Barron's path from Texas to the Broncos, who selected him with the 20th-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (23) knocks the ball from Oklahoma State wide receiver Brennan Presley (80) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (23) celebrates a touchdown against UTSA during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron runs back a punt during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Texas won 57-7. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (23) hits Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan (11) during the first half of the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (23) attempts an interception against Washington quarterback Dylan Morris (5) during the first half of the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. Barron dropped the ball. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (23) makes the catch against Washington during the second half of the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game between Washington and Texas, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. Washington won 37-31. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Texas receiver Jahdae Barron (7) catches a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Colorado State, Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) plays against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against UTSA in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
FILE - Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) follows a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against UTSA in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron plays during the first half of an NCAA football game against Louisiana-Monroe, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) wears the Golden Hat Trophy as he celebrates the team's win against Oklahoma with fans after an NCAA college football game in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates with teammate Barryn Sorrell (88) after making in interception against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates after making a big tackle against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates a defensive play against Arizona State during the first half in the quarterfinals of a College Football Playoff, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) defends during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against between Texas and Ohio State, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron runs in the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron poses for a portrait at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron poses for a portrait at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron poses for a portrait at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron poses for a portrait at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron poses for a portrait at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
"The only reason I had an idea is they like guys that are very versatile, and the things that they do on that defense and with that defense and with the players, they move a lot of guys around," said Barron on if he expected to be drafted by Denver. "They do a lot of different looks. At Texas, I played in a lot of different looks. I played a lot of different places on defense, a lot of different roles. And it's a perfect fit."
A team captain, Barron recorded three career touchdowns across defense and special teams.
The Broncos have now made the 20th-overall pick on five occasions since 1967, and Barron joins a group that includes Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater and second-team All-Pro tackle Garett Bolles. He is the Broncos' highest drafted cornerback since the team selected Surtain in 2021.
Barron will join a cornerback group that includes Surtain, Riley Moss and several other players.
"I just can't wait to be a part of it all," Barron said. "It's going to be amazing. I'm so excited to play in Broncos Country."
