“Denver has enough talent and depth to excel even if the first-round pick fails to make a major impact once again, but there’s also virtually no pressure on RJ Harvey, Pat Bryant and Sai’vion Jones for the same reason,” Gagnon wrote. “It’s quite the luxury. That said, the ceiling is highest for Barron. If he can turn it on as a sophomore, it could be what puts the Broncos over the top.”

‘Clock Ticking’ for Jahdae Barron in Denver

Headed into Barron’s 2nd season, it’s safe to say the pressure is already on, with The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner singling him out as one of several 2025 1st-rounders with the “clock ticking” in 2026.

“(Barron) was more of a reserve/subpackage defender than a full-time starting outside corner,” Baumgardner wrote. “Some of that, at least early, was likely by design — Barron was sort of a slot/outside corner tweener when the Broncos used a first-round pick on him. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder didn’t play much in Denver’s playoff win over the Buffalo Bills and saw just five snaps in an AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots.”