Broncos' 2025 Draft Pick Questioned in Redo

Analysts debate whether Denver made a mistake in selecting defensive back Jahdae Barron in the first round.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected defensive back Jahdae Barron in the first round, despite cornerback not being considered a position of need. While Barron was the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back, some analysts now believe the Broncos may have made a mistake in that pick after a hypothetical 2025 draft redo showed another defensive back, Malaki Starks, being selected instead.

Why it matters

The Broncos' decision to draft Barron in the first round is being scrutinized, as it could have major implications for the team's future if Starks, who had a strong rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens, ends up being the better player.

The details

In the hypothetical 2025 NFL Draft redo, analysts suggest the Broncos should have selected Malaki Starks, who finished his rookie season with the Ravens with two interceptions and displayed strong football IQ. While Barron is still considered to have a bright future, Starks' performance has led some to question whether Denver made the right choice in the original 2025 draft.

  • The 2025 NFL Draft took place in the spring of 2025.

The players

Jahdae Barron

The defensive back selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, despite cornerback not being considered a position of need.

Malaki Starks

The defensive back who finished his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens with two interceptions and strong football IQ, leading some analysts to believe the Broncos should have selected him instead of Barron in the 2025 draft.

Denver Broncos

The NFL team that selected Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Baltimore Ravens

The NFL team that drafted Malaki Starks, who had a strong rookie season.

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The takeaway

The Broncos' decision to select Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is being questioned, as a hypothetical draft redo suggests they may have been better off selecting Malaki Starks, who had a strong rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens. This highlights the importance of teams making the right picks in the draft to set themselves up for long-term success.