With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has highlighted a standout prospect he’s excited about – Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron.
Following the recent scouting combine in Indianapolis, where top prospects showcased their skills, Barron emerged as one of the most impressive performers.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Herbstreit singled out Barron as his “guy” in the draft.
“I think Jahdae Barron,” Herbie said. “That’d be my guy. Yeah, I saw he ran well. He worked out, which is fun to see – some of these guys opt-out for obvious reasons. This guy decided to go out and compete. I covered this guy a lot, probably called over 11 or 12 of his games and I love to see the guy.”
At the combine, Barron (5-foot-11, 194 pounds) turned heads with his athleticism, posting a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 35-inch vertical jump, and a 10’3″ broad jump.
These standout numbers added to his already impressive resume.
The Austin, Texas, native was a key leader for a Longhorns defense that finished eighth nationally in passing defense, and third in both scoring defense and total defense. Herbstreit highlighted Barron’s versatility as a major asset for his NFL prospects.
“You understand this better than anybody, one year where he’s out there playing that slot, and playing it as well as anybody,” Herbie continued. “When you say that to people who are fans, when you play the slot, it’s not just, okay he’s on the inside. He’s in run support, he’s blitzing, he’s playing space, he’s playing man.
“The versatility is off the charts with him. Then, the next year he comes back and he’s on the outside. You can explain in layman’s terms how hard that is at the elite college football and NFL level to have the skillset to play both in and out, but he did flawlessly.”
As a fifth-year senior, Barron totaled 67 tackles (three for loss), one sack, five interceptions, and 11 pass breakups.
His performance earned him First-Team All-America honors and the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in the country.
Barron played a pivotal role in helping Texas reach the SEC Championship Game and come within one game of competing for a national title.
“He’s got some great intangibles, great leader, captain,” Herbie added. “So, not only the numbers are gonna jump out. But he’s played in a lot of big games at the highest level and, like I said the versatility is what makes me think he’s really got a shot to step in year one in the NFL and be turnkey.”
Of course, Herbstreit is in a unique position because he closely covers both college football and the NFL on a daily basis. While others do, few – if any – are as well-connected as Herbie is.
What are your thoughts on him singling out Barron as his “guy” ahead of the NFL Draft? … Will Barron indeed be a steal???
