NY Jets might shock fans with this 'curveball' pick in 2025 NFL Draft

The New York Jets have been connected to seemingly every feasible first-round target in the months leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.

From offensive linemen like Armand Membou and Will Campbell to pass catchers like Tyler Warren and Tetairoa McMillan, mock drafts have explored just about every logical direction the team could go with the No. 7 overall pick. But with so many holes still to fill, the possibility of a surprise can’t be ruled out.

That brings us to a new name that’s recently entered the conversation. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer hinted this week that Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron could be a “curveball” to watch for the Jets.

While Breer admitted it might be too early to take him at No. 7, he floated the idea that Barron could be a real target for Aaron Glenn’s defense if the Jets were to trade down. It’s the first notable connection between Barron and the Jets in the pre-draft cycle, and it certainly raises some eyebrows

NFL insider suggests NY Jets could target Jahdae Barron in the 2025 NFL Draft

A three-year starter at Texas, Barron is one of the most versatile and experienced defensive back prospects in this year's draft class. The Texas native appeared in 57 games over five years with the Longhorns, earning Consensus All-American honors following a standout senior season.

Barron was the recipient of the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back. He led Texas with five interceptions and 16 passes defended, earning a stellar 90.7 Pro Football Focus grade.

At just 5-foot-11, 194 pounds, Barron may not have prototypical size, but he makes up for it with a high football IQ, physicality, and impressive versatility. He lined up all over Texas’ defense, playing everywhere from outside corner to nickel to safety.

Barron switched to more of a full-time outside cornerback role in 2024 and put together the best season of his college career. Despite this, some teams still view Barron as more of a nickel at the next level.

That's partially what makes him a difficult projection for the Jets. The Jets signed former Baltimore Ravens starter Brandon Stephens to pair with Sauce Gardner and Michael Carter II in their cornerback trio. Despite an injury-riddled 2024 campaign, Carter remains one of the better nickel corners in the NFL.

It would be surprising to see the Jets use another premium asset on the cornerback position after extending Carter, signing Stephens to a sizable deal, and with Gardner’s record-breaking extension likely on the horizon.

As Breer noted, Barron would also be a notable reach at No. 7 overall. It's possible he might be on their radar if they manage to trade down in the first round, but even still, there will probably be more appealing prospects at other positions available.

Still, the Jets do seem to have some level of interest in Barron, and his versatility could make him a unique fit in Glenn’s defense. If nothing else, he's a name worth remembering in the event of a draft-day surprise.

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