Jahdae Barron — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

PROJECTED TRADE WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS

In this four-round mock, Barron joins second-round pick Xavier Watts (SPOILER ALERT!) to rebuild a Miami secondary in flux. Remember: The Eagles picked two defensive backs in the first two round last year -- scooping up Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean -- and the strategy helped them win the Super Bowl. Barron proved his long speed with a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, so he could man the perimeter CB spot opposite Jalen Ramsey. That said, his inside/outside versatility is a major strength.

The 49ers have been churning the roster quite a bit lately, and have a need at corner. Barron is CB2 (behind Travis Hunter) on most boards, and while I'm not as high on him as the majority, this is a pick that would make sense for both sides.

The Vikings have done a good job adding talent up front to their defense, but they could still use an upgrade at slot corner. Barron is built to be an NFL slot defender and would form a nice tandem with the recently re-signed Byron Murphy Jr.

Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen and Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. were all tempting here, but the Ravens play in a division with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, DK Metcalf, George Pickens and Jerry Jeudy. Quality cornerback play is essential and Baltimore only has four corners on its roster. Barron, who had five interceptions last year, can immediately slide into the slot with Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins playing outside. Ravens decision-makers talk a lot at this time of year about relying on the tape and Barron's is very good. — Jeff Zrebiec

The 49ers' defense has seen a lot of departures this offseason, including at cornerback. Barron is one of the most consistent players on tape among prospects in this year's class and he can take the ball away. He'll be able to match up against some of the talented slot receivers in the division.

The fact that the Rams' top pick a year ago — edge rusher Jared Verse — earned a Pro Bowl selection and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors is all the more remarkable given that it was the first time since 2016 (Jared Goff) that the Rams drafted in the first round. GM Les Snead prioritizes grit and production over traits, and he'll see both in Barron, a three-time all-conference selection and reigning Thorpe Award winner.

The Steelers get a speedy, do-everything, inside and outside corner in Barron.

General manager John Lynch can go in a lot of different directions with this pick, as the 49ers' roster from their Super Bowl team in 2023 has been decimated. I like Barron a ton, and he fits what San Francisco wants to do defensively. He's physical, has elite ability and athleticism and is a true competitor. That's exactly what Lynch is going to want.

Minnesota made some big splashes in free agency as it tries to take the NFC North from the Lions. Among them were deals to re-sign Byron Murphy Jr. and bring in Isaiah Rodgers, but I'm not sure the Vikings should -- or will -- be done adding to the cornerback room.

Barron, meanwhile, picked off five passes last season, showing his ball skills. He ran a 4.39 at the combine, showing his speed. And he played more than 600 snaps at both slot corner and outside corner over the past two seasons, showing his versatility. I really like this fit.

Jalen Ramsey headlines the Dolphins' secondary, but the rest of the group is young and unproven. Barron won't help this team get any more experienced, but he's an intense hitter whose ball skills shined this year at Texas.

He has inside and outside versatility, the same as Ramsey and fourth-year corner Kader Kohou. This selection gives the Dolphins a lot of matchup and disguise opportunity in the secondary.