Broncos Rookie CB Jahdae Barron Impresses Coach Sean Payton

Denver Broncos rookie Jahdae Barron, the team's first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has impressed head coach Sean Payton and the coaching staff during rookie minicamps with his smart, savvy play and strong work ethic. Payton praised Barron for his quick twitch, sticky coverage, and veteran-like understanding of defensive splits, highlighting his tackling ability as a critical and sometimes overlooked skill. Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in college, has embraced the learning process and leadership role with the Broncos, aiming to meet the high expectations set for him. His performance so far suggests he could become a franchise player in Denver's secondary, bolstering an already talented defense as the team looks toward a Super Bowl window. Despite being projected as a top-10 pick, Barron fell to 20th overall, which the Broncos view as a fortunate opportunity to strengthen their roster. His presence and playstyle have generated excitement about the Broncos' defensive future and their draft strategy of selecting the best available players.