The Dallas Cowboys' cornerback room could use some serious help and fans are likely hoping the team makes that happen by way of the 2025 NFL Draft. The team not only needs playmakers but tone setters within that room.
The Cowboys' secondary feels like it could be one playmaker away from really turning the tides, similarly to how Trevon Diggs was able to make an impact when he burst onto the scene.
Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron is a popular prospect among the 2025 NFL Draft class and one who could make a big impact on whatever cornerback room he joins at the pro level. The Longhorn standout is coming off a five-interception campaign that saw him tally 11 pass breakups as well.
Barron is a do-it-all type who can wreak havoc around the line of scrimmage. Let's dive in a little further.
Texas CB Jahdae Barron 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 194
- First-Team AP All-American in 2024
- First-Team All-SEC in 2024
Positives
- Built to play the slot at a high level; possesses necessary physicality especially at the line of scrimmage
- Makes life difficult on receivers at the catch point
- High football IQ comes with instinctual movements; reads wide receivers well before they even make their next move
Barron is a fan favorite at the cornerback position, especially in Texas. His physical brand of football would be welcomed at the NFL level and he's built to be a top-tier slot cornerback in this league. Barron could also make a transition to safety if needed, but playing outside seems out of the question with his skill set.
He's a player you want near the line of scrimmage not just due to his physicality, but how he reads plays before they unfold. His instincts and nose for the football are both off the charts. He's decisive when making his read and committing to his next move. Barron is going to be somebody receivers hate going up against on a weekly basis.
Negatives
- Not keen on man coverage and better suited for zone
- While his 4.39 speed is impressive, his long speed needs work
- Must improve tackling technique
After the catch is made, Barron can sometimes get caught with poor tackling technique. He's a bigger, physical player so this should be correctable. Because he's well-equipped for zone, he's equally a risk in man coverage. Barron is better when given the opportunity to roam somewhat freely rather than lining up being responsible for one receiver.
Jahdae Barron NFL Player Comparison: Kyler Gordon
The explosive plays out of the slot scream someone like Kyler Gordon. Barron and Gordon are identical in height and weight and both play a similar brand of football. Being near the line of scrimmage is exactly where you want them to be, because that's where they're likely to make a game-changing play.
Jahdae Barron 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Round 2
Barron should not make it out of Round 2, whether he's viewed as a corner or safety. He has too many translatable traits to pass on and can be a Day 1 starter on a handful of NFL teams. Barron could definitely be a necessary momentum shift for the right defense at the NFL level.