FRISCO, Texas – Confidence is crucial for defensive backs, and Jahdae Barron from Texas exudes it, with his stats and highlights to prove his claim. “I truly consider myself CB1,” Barron stated. “I’m incredibly adaptable—I can play corner, nickel, or safety.

I am what you need, and I can execute it for you in the most humble manner.” When questioned if he might be one of the top players in this draft, Barron quickly dismissed the word “might.” “I’ve never thought I might be the best. The word ‘might’ doesn’t apply to me,” Barron remarked. “I always believe I’m the best and demonstrate it through my play and actions, not merely words.”

Here’s the evidence: Over the past three seasons, Barron logged 893 snaps in the slot, 860 at corner, 475 at box safety, and 51 at deep safety. During this period, he earned the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award, became a first-team All-American, snagged eight interceptions (five in 2024), and allowed just two touchdowns in coverage.

Regardless of where NFL teams decide to position him, Barron feels he can handle any responsibility given to him. “There are many talented players in this draft class, and I’m not undermining their skills, but I can do it all in every position,” Barron said. “I can fill run gaps, cover the slot, blitz the A-gap, play outside, be the middle runner, or serve as post and half safety. It’s something I take immense pride in.”

The dilemma with Barron is a favorable one for teams: where does he excel most? Is he more comfortable in one role over another? He doesn’t think so and aims to improve in all areas. “I’m comfortable in all of them; Texas prepared me to be at ease in every position,” Barron explained. “There’s always room for growth in any role I take on, so I continuously strive to improve—that’s the player I am.”

Barron’s commitment to self-improvement extends beyond the field. He expressed gratitude to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and other staff for mentoring him into becoming a better person. “I used to struggle with going home frequently to see my mom. Sark helped me with that, encouraging me to grow up, mature, and focus on football,” Barron shared. “It helped me mature and direct all my focus to football, evolving significantly along the way.”

The Cowboys, in need of a cornerback to play alongside Trevon Diggs/DaRon Bland or replace Jourdan Lewis in the nickel, might consider Barron. He is projected to be a first-round pick, meaning Dallas would have to use their 12th overall pick if they decide to select him.

His skill set offers Dallas the flexibility to try Barron in various secondary positions to determine his best fit. Essentially, the Cowboys could address two needs by choosing Barron, depending on how they structure their roster.

It’s noteworthy that the Cowboys haven’t picked a cornerback in the first round since 2015, when they selected Byron Jones with the 27th overall pick. They also prefer corners with longer arms, while Barron measured 29 5/8″ at the combine.

If the Cowboys decide to deviate from their usual approach, they could address a major defensive requirement on Day 1. However, whether this is the foremost need for the Cowboys in April remains to be seen.