Tag: Jahdae Barron

New mock draft misses the mark for Steelers

This new mock draft passes on two excellent prospects for the Steelers.

First off, let me say the Pittsburgh Steelers do need a cornerback. So in that sense, the pick from NFL draft writer Kyle Crabbs at The 33rd Team does fit with one of the Steelers needs.

However, when you look over Crabbs’ new mock draft in full, you see where this pick, which must be a hit, could be much better.

Crabbs opted for Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron as the pick. And this pick definitely wouldn’t be awful, even if Barron’s size does make him something of a tweener between a boundary cornerback and a slot cornerback the way the Steelers like to play them.

But the fact that wide receivers Matthew Golden and Emeka Egbuka were both still on the board when the Steelers selected a cornerback might make the fanbase riot and rightfully so. For many teams, the top offseason needs are somewhat divided between a couple of positions. This is not the case for Pittsburgh. Wide receiver is far and away this team’s biggest roster need and even if the Steelers add a veteran in free agency, that won’t change.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Vikings get secondary help in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

One part no one forgets about during the offseason is the NFL draft, with that comes mock drafts.

The Minnesota Vikings have needs at several positions as the 2025 offseason cycle heats up. Of course, we still have the Super Bowl to be played on Sunday before everyone joins the fun, but the Vikings front office has to know where they will go in the coming weeks.

One part no one forgets about during the offseason is the NFL draft, with that comes mock drafts.

One of the latest mock drafts published was by NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein. The longtime draft analyst published his first mock draft of the 2025 draft cycle. With the Vikings’ first pick at 24 overall, the Vikings were attached to cornerback Jahdae Barron. The Texas Longhorn defender has been seen by many as a great fit for the team, and if you look at Zierlein’s analysis, you will see that he agrees but also points out the importance of the pick.

“With the Vikings currently holding just three picks in the 2025 draft — a first-rounder and two fifth-rounders — they need to hit in Round 1. With terrific instincts and ball production, Barron could step in quickly if necessary.”

 

 

The team has every starting cornerback as a pending free agent. We have to think the position is going to be drafted, and if they do so in round one, this could be a dream fit. His style fits what Brian Flores looks for in his cornerbacks, and under the defensive coordinator’s coaching, he could see some big strides in development.

Bucs land secondary help in unique mock draft exercise

Mock drafts are not as important to the players themselves as the all-star games, but they are important to fans.

The 2025 NFL Draft cycle is about to pass its first major milestone as all-star week comes to an end on Saturday with the Senior Bowl. With both it and the Shrine Bowl in the rearview window, the Scouting Combine is next in line for the draft’s participants.

Mock drafts are not as important to the players themselves as the all-star games, but they are important to fans.

On3 seemed bored with regular mock drafts and decided to twist the exercise. They answered the question, “What if every player in college football was draft-eligible?” The answer allowed for some fun names to be placed with NFL teams, but the Bucs got a name from the 2025 class.

On3 mocked Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron to the Bucs, a pick we have seen in regular mock drafts. The pick makes a lot of sense for 2025 mock drafts so it speaks to what the pick means in this unique mock draft setting.

Texas Longhorns land 3 on ESPN’s All-America First Team

Texas Longhorns land three players on ESPN’s All-America First Team. The CFP semifinalists are tied for the most players on the team.

The Texas Longhorns had a lot of talent on the field in 2024. A college football playoff semifinalist for the second straight year, the Horns won their fair share of individual honors. Now, ESPN is out with their All-America Team and three of the Texas stars from this season have made the list.

UT left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and defensive back Jahdae Barron are all first-team selections according to ESPN Senior Writer Chris Low. Safety Michael Taaffe is a second-team selection.

Banks won both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy this year, a rare feat. Barron won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back and Hill was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.

Both Banks and Barron will be heading to the NFL. Hill and Taaffe will be back in Austin for another year. Ohio State and Texas have the most players on the All-America first team with three apiece.

Here is what ESPN had to say about the first-team Longhorns:

OT: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Despite a left ankle injury that sidelined him for the SEC championship game, Banks was the centerpiece of a Texas offensive line that paved the way for one of the most balanced offenses in the country. The Longhorns were one of six FBS teams to average more than 275 passing yards and 160 rushing yards per game. The 6-4, 320-pound junior won the Lombardi Award this season as the nation’s best collegiate lineman and has been a starter at left tackle since his true freshman season.

LB: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

The epitome of a do-it-all linebacker, Hill went from being one of the best true freshmen in 2023 to one of the best defenders in the country this season. And, yes, he has another season remaining at Texas. The 6-3, 235-pound sophomore led the Longhorns with 113 total tackles and tied for fourth among FBS linebackers with 16.5 tackles for loss. He also had four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception.

CB: Jahdae Barron, Texas

Barron was already widely viewed as one of the top cornerbacks in college football but only raised his stock in helping limit Ohio State star receiver Jeremiah Smith to one catch for 3 yards in the Longhorns’ playoff semifinal loss at the Cotton Bowl. Barron, a 5-11, 200-pound redshirt senior, was the Thorpe Award winner as the best defensive back in college football and tied for the team lead in a talented secondary with five interceptions.

Texas draft prospects for Packers fans to watch during College Football Playoff

Draft prospects from Texas for Packers fans to watch during the College Football Playoff.

The Texas Longhorns had 11 players drafted during the 2024 NFL Draft. They could match or even exceed that number during the 2025 draft. Let’s look at eight players who could be targets for the Green Bay Packers.

Alred Collins, DT

A former five-star recruit, Collins looks every bit the part of a future wrecking ball. Collins plays with some raw power and walks blockers back into the quarterback’s lap. He has the range to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage and his motor is always running. 

Video Player

Barryn Sorrell, Edge

Sorrell checks the boxes with his frame and athleticism. As a run defender, he snatches and tosses and sets a hard edge. According to Pro Football Focus, Sorrell has recorded 21 run stops this season. The Texas edge rusher enters the matchup against Clemson with nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 39 pressures. 

Video Player

Jahdae Barron, DB

A year ago Barron was one of the best slot defenders in the country. This season he’s shown that he can survive on the boundary. Barron led the SEC in interceptions (5) and recorded nine pass deflections. He has the drive explosion to arrive before the pigskin and has wide receiver-like ball skills. He’s a physical downfield defender and stays balanced as a tackler. 

Video Player

Jake Majors, C

Majors enters the matchup against Clemson with 54 career starts at center for the Longhorns. Majors has heightened awareness and understands protections. Over the past two seasons, Majors has given up zero sacks and 20 pressures.  

Trey Moore, Edge

At 245 pounds, Moore could be too light for Green Bay’s liking. Moore can easily add five pounds without losing his explosive first step. The UTSA transfer has recorded 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures. 

Video Player

Vernon Broughton, DT

At 6-5, 306 pounds, Broughton has an ideal NFL frame. The Texas defensive tackle has good initial quickness off the snap to get upfield quickly and disrupt the action in the backfield. He maintains his gap and shows the lateral quickness to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.

Video Player

Matthew Golden, WR

With his instant acceleration off the line of scrimmage and finds a second gear to win vertically. He runs sharp routes and does a good job of mixing up his tempo to keep defensive backs off balance. Golden also brings special teams value as a kick and punt returner. 

Video Player

Isaiah Bond, WR

The Alabama transfer is a dynamic playmaker. The former track athlete is a vertical threat and can take swing passes the distance with his game-breaking quickness. Bond is similar to Jayden Reed and having those two on the same offense would put a lot of stress on opposing defenses. 

Video Player

Five Texas Longhorns earn AP All-Americans honors

That list includes Anthony Hill Jr., Jahdae Barron, Kelvin Banks Jr., Alfred Collins, and Michael Taaffe.

With the 2024 college football regular season in the books, the Longhorns have made headlines as awards have been handed out. On Tuesday, that continued when five players were named All-Americans by the Associated Press. That list includes Anthony Hill Jr., Jahdae Barron, Kelvin Banks Jr., Alfred Collins, and Michael Taaffe.

While all five have been key to the Longhorns’ success, only Barron and Banks earned first-team honors. During his fifth season with the Longhorns, Barron has started all 13 games and leads the conference in interceptions with five. As a senior, he has added 47 tackles to his resume.

On the offensive side of the ball, Banks has been one of the Longhorns’ best players and a model of consistency. The Texas native has started every game this season and helped protect quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. He has also added two SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors to his resume.

Hill, Collins, and Taaffe earned spots on the second team. The talented trio were human highlight reels, making life difficult for offensive coordinators. Hill led the way with a team-high 90 tackles, including six for a loss.

He also got some help from Taaffe, who finished the season with 61 total tackles. The local star was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week and the Burlsworth Trophy National Player following the Longhorns win over Vanderbilt earlier this season.

Rounding out the list is Collins, who has taken his game to another level over the past few months. In 13 games, Collins set career highs in tackles with 43 and pass deflections with seven. For the Longhorns, his improved play was a welcome sign.

The Longhorns and this talented group will now focus on making a deep playoff run and building on a memorable 2024 season.

Jahdae Barron wins Thorpe Award, third Texas Longhorn to be named top DB

Texas DB Jahdae Barron becomes third Longhorn to win Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s best defensive back.

Jahdae Barron’s name is now etched in Longhorns history. On Thursday evening, Barron was named the 2024 Thorpe Award winner as the best defensive back in the country.

The announcement was made during ESPN’s College Football Awards show. Barron beat out Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs and Georgia Bulldogs safety Malaki Starks.

Barron becomes the third Texas Longhorn to win the annual prize. UT’s Michael Huff and Aaron Ross won it in back-to-back years in 2005 and 2006. Texas is tied for the most Thorpe Award recipients in the country with Oklahoma and LSU.

It was the first Texas Thorpe Award winner Michael Huff who informed Barron that the trophy was his. Huff currently serves as the Longhorns Assistant Director of Player Development.

The senior led the SEC with five interceptions, had 47 tackles, nine pass breakups and a forced fumble so far this season. He starred in a Texas secondary that was one of the best in the nation.

The Longhorns lead the country in fewest passing yards allowed at 143.1 per game and turnovers gained with 28. Texas is No. 2 in scoring defense, allowing 12.5 points per game.

Seven Texas Longhorns land on All-SEC teams

That list includes Kelvin Banks Jr., Quinn Ewers, Jahdae Barron, Gunnar Helm, Anthony Hill Jr., Quintrevion Wisner, and Andrew Mukuba

Throughout the 2024 college football campaign, the Texas Longhorns have been one of the best teams in the SEC. During their first season in a new conference, the Longhorns did not disappoint, as seven players earned spots on All-SEC teams. That list includes Kelvin Banks Jr., Quinn Ewers, Jahdae Barron, Gunnar Helm, Anthony Hill Jr., Quintrevion Wisner, and Andrew Mukuba.

The Longhorns’ offense was well represented, with Banks earning first-team All-SEC honors. Ewers and Helm earned second-team All-SEC honors, while Wisner earned third-team All-SEC honors. With that talented group leading the way, Texas has been able to frustrate opponents on a weekly basis.

As the offense has thrived, the defense has played a critical role. That was on display Tuesday, with Barron receiving first-team All-SEC honors, Hill receiving second-team All-SEC honors, and Mukaba receiving third-team All-SEC honors.

With the Longhorns focus now shifting to the postseason, they will need their stars to continue to perform. In Ewers third year under center, he has thrown for 2,665 yards and 25 touchdowns while averaging 242.27 yards per game. His success has partly been due to Helm and Wisner, who have emerged as reliable weapons in an offense full of talent.

They will also need help from a defense that will face some of the best offenses in the country. The Longhorns are in good hands with Mukaba, who ranks fourth in tackles, and Hill, who has at least one sack in four straight games, leading the way.

Over the next few weeks, this group will be key to ending the Longhorns championship drought after proving they are among the best in the SEC at their positions.

Jahdae Barron named semifinalist for Jim Thorpe Award

Each year, the award is given to the best defensive back in college football based on performance, athletic ability, and character

As the Longhorns have gotten off to a 7-1 start, Jahdae Barron has been at the center of their success. On Tuesday, he received national attention for his play when he was named a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. Each year, the award is given to the best defensive back in college football based on performance, athletic ability, and character.

In eight games, Barron has recorded 29 total tackles and six break-ups. He currently leads the team in interceptions with three, which ranks 14th in the nation. The Austin, Texas native has made life difficult for quarterbacks and has been a valuable veteran piece in the Longhorns secondary.

With Barron at the center of the Longhorns’ success, the defense has been a pleasant surprise. Entering Week 10, they rank second in scoring defense and pass efficiency defense and third in passing yards allowed.

Although the regular season is winding down, Barron and the Longhorns have plenty to play for over the next few weeks. They currently rank third in the SEC standings behind Georgia and Texas A&M. If they are to leapfrog those teams, the Longhorns will need Barron at his best as he looks to add more hardware to his resume.

The three finalists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be announced on November 26, and the winner will be revealed on December 12. The Longhorns hope that Barron will once again find himself in the spotlight as the field narrows. This is the second straight year Barron has been named a semifinalist.

Two Longhorns defensive backs named quarterfinalists for Lott IMPACT Trophy

While they have a roster full of talent, two players who have stood out are Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba

During the first two months of the college football season, defense has been a strength for the Texas Longhorns. While they have a roster full of talent, two players who have stood out are Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba. Due to their play, they have been named quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

Through seven games, the Longhorns lead the nation in scoring defense (9.7 ppg) and total defense (237.3 ypg). They also rank ninth in interceptions with 10. With Barron and Mukuba at the center of their success, the Longhorns have been one of the best teams in the country.

In his senior season, Barron has recorded 26 total tackles and added three interceptions to his resume. He currently leads the team in interceptions with three and pass break-ups with five. Last week against Georgia, the Texas native had one of his best games of the season, snagging a career-high two interceptions.

While Barron has been an anchor on defense, he has also gotten some help from Mukuba, who has made headlines with his play. Through seven games, the talented defensive back recorded 18 solo tackles and two pass break-ups. In the Longhorns’ loss to Georgia on Saturday, he snagged two interceptions, becoming the first Longhorn with two interceptions in a game since D’Shawn Jamison in 2019.

Although the Longhorns are chasing a national title, they will be watching how voting for the Lott IMPACT Trophy unfolds. They have two very deserving candidates in Mukuba and Barron, who are only getting better as the games pile up. The finalists will be revealed on December 9 at the annual Lott IMPACT® Trophy award show in Las Vegas.