No Texas football player boosted his NFL draft stock more this season than cornerback Jahdae Barron.
A native of Austin, Barron transformed into an All-American and Jim Thorpe Award winner during his five seasons with the Longhorns.
After starting two years as a nickelback, Barron shifted to outside cornerback this season, playing a pivotal role in elevating Texas’ secondary to one of the best in the nation. He showcased to NFL scouts that he possesses the size, talent, and ball skills to excel as a true cornerback.
Barron made a name for himself at Connally High School in North Austin, a lesser-known program in the Pflugerville school district with few playoff appearances. His dual-threat play on both sides of the ball, along with his kick return ability, caught the attention of college scouts.
Though he initially committed to Baylor, Barron eventually chose to stay home after former Texas coach Tom Herman persuaded him to join the Longhorns. Under coach Steve Sarkisian, Barron became a full-time starter by his redshirt sophomore season. Since 2022, he has accumulated 206 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 28 pass breakups, and eight interceptions.
Most draft analysts project Barron as a first- or second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with his versatility in the secondary being one of his strongest assets.
Here’s a full scouting report and draft projection for Barron:
Jahdae Barron
Position: Cornerback
Age: 23
Hometown: Austin, TX
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 200 lbs
Bio: Barron was a standout two-way player at Connally High School in the Pflugerville district. A four-star recruit according to 247 Sports, he redshirted his freshman year before becoming a full-time starter in his third season at Texas. In 2024, Barron posted a career-high five interceptions and 16 pass breakups. He played alongside fellow Austin natives Andrew Mukuba, a projected 2025 NFL draft pick, and Michael Taaffe, who’s expected to enter the 2026 draft. The trio contributed to a Texas secondary that helped the Longhorns lead the nation in pass defense during the regular season.
Strengths: Barron’s robust and durable frame makes him a strong asset in run support, where he is a reliable tackler in open space. His excellent ball skills, versatility across multiple secondary positions, and high football IQ stand out.
Weaknesses: He lacks ideal straight-line speed for a cornerback and, having played just one full season at the position, may experience some growing pains.
What our reporter observed: Barron has a lighthearted attitude with the media, but he is all business on the field. His experience in multiple positions in the secondary aids in communication and teamwork on defense. He’s fearless, whether attacking the ball in the air or taking on a pulling guard in run support. Given his limited experience as a true cornerback, his potential at the next level is sky-high.
NFL player comparison: Adoree’ Jackson, New York Giants.
Jahdae Barron Positional Rankings
Rankings as of mid-January:
- Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: No. 4 cornerback, borderline first-round pick
- Jordan Reid, ESPN: No. 5 cornerback
- Field Yates, ESPN: Outside top 5
- Matt Miller, ESPN: No. 2 cornerback
- PFF: No. 28 overall, No. 4 cornerback
