Englewood, Colorado (AP) — Patrick Slutein II has a new partner in the defensive backfield. The Denver Broncos selected Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron on their 20th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
“We didn’t expect him to be there,” general manager George Patong said. “He was pretty expensive on our board. What we liked about him is that he is a playmaker, he is a football player and he is a fun watch.”
Coach Sean Payton praised Baron’s skills and football IQ, saying this is the other thing that impressed him.
“And I never had that happen,” Payton said.
The Longhorns ballhawk and reliable tackler, Baron lined up as a dime linebacker in the outside, slots and boxes, and his versatility is expected to make an impact for him as a rookie.
Baron has elite speed and ran a 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at the NFL scouting combine, winning the Jim Thorpe Award after smashing 11 in 2024 with five passes.
In Denver, he teams up with Surtain, the Broncos’ first round pick of 2021, coming from his best season. He was recognized as the NFL Player of the Year, featuring third-year cornerback Riley Moss.
“I bring a lot of versatility to my defense,” Baron said. “I’m going to learn from the vet. I can’t wait to learn from Patrick Surtein. (Denver defensive coordinator Vance) I can’t wait to learn from Joseph, which means it’s amazing.”
The Broncos were even able to get the 5-foot-11, 194-pound Baron to see safety. If so, he’s sure he’ll do well.
“Yeah, definitely,” Baron said. “That’s incredible for me and I just learn from the vets out there.”
Baron said he was recently referred to Surtain through his financial advisor, but he didn’t have time to return Surtain’s message in the draft lead-up.
“So he’s going to carry his pads to me so that he doesn’t hit him,” Baron said with a laugh.
For the first time in a decade, the Broncos didn’t have to prepare to lean into draft preparations over a quarterback prospect. The successful rookie season for Bo Nix in 2024 allowed Payton and Paton to focus their energy elsewhere.
The Broncos got off to a good start by signing roster formation in free agency, San Francisco 49ers safety Taranor Fuwhanga and linebacker Dre Greenlow, adding Jacksonville tight end Evan Engram and Detroit’s special team Ahstrentshirefield.
That allowed them to focus on adding the best players to the board they did at Baron.
“If I learn and soak it, soak it and understand the game, I can do a lot,” Baron said. “But I’m very smart. I want to contribute and do anything to make myself a value and important work.
“And again, I can’t wait to learn from Patrick Sulten.
