Nations top DB picked off five passes last season

Mike Spofford

Packers.com has consulted more than two dozen mock drafts from reputable national outlets and compiled a list of players most frequently mocked as draft selections in the latter portion of the first round (picks 18-28) who could be available when the Packers are on the clock at No. 23 overall.

Between now and draft day, those players will be profiled with thumbnail sketches and videos known as "Prospect Primers."

Today's player is

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Height/Weight:5-11, 194

Key stats:Started 37 games over the last three seasons, totaling 205 tackles, including 18 for loss, with eight INTs (one returned for TD) and 20 passes broken up.

College honors:Won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2024 and was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's top overall defender, to go along with first-team Associated Press All-America and first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors.

Background/other info:Native of Austin stayed at home for college and put together a decorated career that ended with him lauded as one of the best defenders in the country. In leading one of the nation's top defenses as Texas made its CFP run, started all 16 games and intercepted five passes, with 11 PBUs total, earning numerous accolades along the way. High IQ player who lined up as nickel/slot, boundary corner and safety for the Longhorns, making plays from every spot. Has prototypical size for the next level to go along with that versatility, and clocked a 4.39 in the 40 at the combine. Seen as especially dangerous with his eyes on the QB, and will enter the NFL with a ton of experience against elite competition, having started for three seasons and logging more than 2,400 defensive snaps. Expected to make an immediate impact for any team that drafts him, regardless of scheme.