It’s draft day, and we’re just hours away from finding out what the Atlanta Falcons are going to do in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and while it feels like this year is finally the year Terry Fontenot and the Falcons will draft a pass rusher in the first round there’s obviously no guarantee.
Earlier today, former Falcons quarterback and now analyst for the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network Dave Archer told The Morning Shift who he thinks the Falcons could draft if they decide to not draft an edge rusher with the 15th overall pick tonight.
“From a versatility standpoint and a guy that can play everywhere Jahdae Barron becomes that guy for me, because of his ability to play the corner, ran 4.39 at the combine, he really tracks the ball extremely well, he was the Thorpe award winner, was the best defensive back in the country, had five interceptions a year ago for the Longhorns, but his ability to play in the slot area, the nickel area which is where he played a lot over the last couple of seasons for Texas, and then his ability to rock back at the safety position, think Earl Thomas.” Dave said
Arch finished his thought by saying “So that’s what you’re looking for in my opinion if you’re not gonna go with an edge player to me it’s gotta be a guy that can affect the game in a lot of different ways, and Jahdae Barron is that guy.”
Even though the Falcons re-signed cornerback Mike Hughes to a three-year contract worth up to $18 million dollars there would be no shame in getting a cornerback that could fit in with the young core of the Falcons, and be a staple on that Falcons’ defense for years to come.
As we know from what the Falcons did last year after they drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick one unexpected pick can throw off an entire round of the draft, so there’s no telling what the Falcons will do, but if they decide not to draft an edge rusher with the 15th overall pick Texas Longhorns cornerback is a guy to keep your eye on.