The closer we get to the NFL draft, the more the potential pick order becomes clear.
Thus far, it seems rather solidified that Miami QB Cam Ward will go No. 1, while some combination of Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter will follow shortly after that.
It also appears rather logical that the Patriots would quickly follow with an offensive lineman, while the Jaguars will add Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. The Raiders will pick up running back Ashton Jeanty, and the Jets will take another offensive tackle off the board.
It is also likely that at least 1-2 receivers will land in the top 15. At least, that is the trend over the last few weeks.
So, where does that leave defensive backs? According to one draft expert, if a defensive back is going to be in the top 10, only one player makes sense.
“I would look at the Texas corner-slash-nickel, Jahdae Barron,” Mayock said. “Most people have him as the third or fourth corner in the draft, but I think some teams around the lake really like this kid. I like the kid. He’s aggressive, quick, tough, he’s got position versatility where he can kick inside and play nickel and compete at a high level.”
Barron has undoubtedly earned that praise as well.
Last season at Texas, Barron took home the Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation’s top defensive back, after finishing the year with 67 tackles, five interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
Barron also believes himself to be worthy of the No. 1 corner in the class.
“I most definitely believe that I am CB1,” Barron said at Longhorns Pro Day. “I’m so versatile. I can do a lot. I can go play corner, I can play nickel, and I can play safety. So I’m what you need, and I can go do it for you in the most humble way.”
As for where that lands him, it could be anyone’s guess at this point. That said, Carolina desperately needs help in the secondary at No. 8, while the Saints need just about everything on both sides of the ball at No. 9.
Either way, even if he isn’t a top-10 pick, it’s hard to see Barron falling much farther than San Francisco at No. 11 or Dallas at No. 12, with each team also needing help in the defensive backfield.
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