With the 20th overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Broncos went for defense

Would the Broncos trade up? That’s what Sean Payton would want to do, said the experts.

Would Denver move back? That’s what George Paton would prefer, said the draftniks.

At the end of the day, both camps were wrong. Ultimately, the Broncos would stand pat, making their pick at No. 20 in the first round.

Thus, the only intrigue remaining was surrrounding what position Denver would target. They need a running back. They could use another wideout and/or tight end. Defensive tackle is a position of need down the road. And taking the proverbial “best player available” was always an option.

No. 20 pick is in: #Broncos taking Texas CB Jahdae Barron, per sources. pic.twitter.com/NRix6EcuGS

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 25, 2025

It won’t excite Broncos Country. Most fans wanted the team to add another weapon for Bo Nix. But the quarterback will have to wait.

Instead, Denver added to their defense. They selected a cornerback to line up opposite Patrick Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

At the end of the day, the Broncos didn’t draft for need. They went for the best player on their board. And that was cornerback Jahdae Barron.

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