Right after the Denver Broncos used their first-round draft pick to select versatile Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron in April, fans and pundits quickly began speculating about the rookie’s primary position in the NFL.
Will he play primarily in the slot or primarily as an outside cornerback? (Probably a mix of both.)
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There’s also a third option that, while perhaps unlikely, can’t be ruled out just yet.
“Most definitely,” Barron said when asked if he could play as a safety. “Playing safety would be a tremendous thing for me. Again, just learning from those vets there, learning the information that they have learned.
“Then being back with Texas Longhorns out there, P.J. [Locke]. That’s going to be amazing. I look up to him. I know he’s done a lot of great things. He’s a veteran player. He trusts the process and he works tremendously hard. So I can’t wait to be a part of the defense.”
It’s perhaps no coincidence that Barron mentioned Locke and not fellow Longhorn Brandon Jones. Locke has spent time as a nickelback and third safety, which is perhaps the kind of role Barron anticipates in certain situations (or maybe he’s just closer to Locke). Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph seems unlikely to bench either Jones or Talanoa Hufanga, so barring injuries, any appearances for Barron at safety will likely be in unique formations.
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We still expect Barron to play at cornerback — both inside and outside — but his versatility will prove to be valuable if the Broncos ever need more help at safety.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL draft: Jahdae Barron gives Broncos more options — even at safety