With a bold offseason already underway, the Las Vegas Raiders are setting themselves up for one of the more unpredictable approaches to the 2025 NFL Draft — and a new name is starting to gain traction as a potential target: Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.
After a splashy start to the offseason that included hiring legendary coach Pete Carroll and trading for quarterback Geno Smith, the Raiders’ draft strategy may be shifting in unexpected ways. While early buzz linked Las Vegas to dynamic running back Ashton Jeanty, especially given Carroll’s history of valuing offensive playmakers, some insiders now believe defense — specifically cornerback — could be the focus if the Raiders move down from their No. 6 overall pick.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, multiple league sources have suggested that Barron is a name to watch should the Raiders decide to trade back in the first round.
“Cornerback could be another position the Raiders target early, especially if they decide to trade down from No. 6,” Reid wrote. “Multiple league sources have mentioned Jahdae Barron (Texas) as an option if the Raiders trade back.”
Barron, a versatile and aggressive defender out of Texas, has been climbing draft boards thanks to his strong coverage skills and ability to contribute in multiple schemes. His physicality and football IQ would be a welcome addition to a Raiders defense that needs help in the secondary — and he fits the mold of the smart, gritty players Carroll has often favored.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the Raiders have ruled out an offensive playmaker. Reid noted that Jeanty remains very much in play, particularly with Carroll’s track record of using high picks on running backs (remember Rashaad Penny?). But Las Vegas is clearly doing its homework on multiple fronts, and Barron could offer both high upside and strategic value if the team opts to trade down and accumulate more draft capital.
With the draft just weeks away, Las Vegas remains a wild card. But one thing’s becoming clear: if the Raiders pivot toward defense, don’t be surprised if Jahdae Barron’s name is called sooner than expected — and in silver and black.