The latest mock draft is out from Jacob Infante at Pro Football Network and we're beginning to see some familiar faces circling back around as we check in from time to time on what NFL Draft experts and analysts are thinking.
For Infante, we love the fact that he has the Chiefs selecting at No. 32 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. That makes him a believer in the three-peat and we're here for it. At the same time, he also has the Chiefs planning for the future in their secondary when he has Chiefs general manager Brett Veach selecting Texas corner Jahdae Barron.
The Chiefs have been linked to Jahdae Barron by multiple mock drafts in the winter months.
Barron is a ready-made prospect for NFL secondaries with extensive experience in the Longhorns' defense playing against elite competition in myriad ways. Not only is Barron used to practicing against the Longhorns' incredible cadre of wideouts (think Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, etc.) but Texas plays a tough schedule each season, giving Barron tough challenges all the way around.
The good news is that Barron has risen to meet that challenge more often than not, which is why draftniks have him sneaking into the first round. As a fifth-year senior, Barron was named an All-American after anchoring the Longhorns pass defense with 5 interceptions.
Infante has a great summary of Barron's skills (at least to the ears of Chiefs fans) when he writes, "He has the athleticism, ball production, and coverage instincts in both man and zone needed to be a strong starter in Kansas City's secondary."
For the Chiefs, Barron's versatility and experience could make him a quick contributor even in a deep cornerback room at first, but the real value is long-term for a team that's facing free agency in 2026 with Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, and Nazeeh Johnson among others. While the Chiefs aren't likely to let McDuffie leave anytime soon, there's a need at the corner position for long-term investments.