Concerns Emerge Over Lack of Snaps for Broncos First Round Pick

However you may have felt about Denver Broncos rookie cornerback and first round pick Jahdae Barron in the preseason, that’s probably changed now.

That’s because Barron has barely seen the field through the first 4 games of the regular season and the No. 20 overall pick is currently the backup nickelback to

Ja’Quan McMillan.

However much the Broncos want to say their plan was to bring Barron along slowly to “teach him the defense” or whatever lip service they might dish up, the truth is if he were ready to contribute more, he’d already be on the field.

The NFL doesn’t even bring quarterbacks along slowly anymore. Why would they do it for a cornerback?

Want more proof? Just look at Philadelphia Eagles cornerback and 2024 first round pick (No. 22 overall)

Quinyon Mitchell. As a rookie, he started every regular season game but one — a meaningless regular season finale — plus 4 playoff games on the way to winning a Super Bowl.

The point is, if the Broncos thought Barron could help their defense, he’d be playing.

“Barron has played just 74 snaps in four games, but he did show signs of improvement in coverage Monday night against Cincinnati,”

Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon wrote on October 1. “He’s not going to challenge for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but that’s OK because he’s generally doing what is being asked of him.”

Generally doing what is asked of him, in this case, mostly means not being in the starting lineup.

#Broncos DC Vance Joseph with really interesting perspective on first-round rookie Jahdae Barron.

“Sometimes you can play guys too soon, and you can have too many public failures. And they can’t recover from those. So it’s been a luxury to kind of, bring him along slow.”
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— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) September 11, 2025

Predictions for Barron Were Sky High

No player on the Broncos‘ already-vaunted defense had more hype in the preseason than Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award at Texas in 2024.

“Whether it’s on the perimeter opposite Pat Surtain II or inside at nickel, expect to see Barron in the Broncos’ starting lineup,” Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder r wrote on July 9. “While last year’s starters

Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian return, both left the door open for someone to take their jobs with their play last year. Ultimately, the Texas product’s talent and versatile skill set are too good for Denver to keep him off the field.”

Barron did have a nice moment in the season opener, with a game-clinching fumble recovery against the Tennessee Titans.

“Like a lot of people I’m disappointed Jahdae Barron is barely able to get on the field,”

Zach Fogg wrote on his X account on September 29. “However, I think if any of the Broncos’ three main CBs goes down we’ll be happy that they have him. The drop off last year to that 4th CB was a cliff. I expect Barron will hold his own.”

Broncos Rookie Class Struggling to Find Roles

The Broncos made the playoffs in 2024 thanks in large part to the contributions of multiple rookies.

While that group was led by quarterback and first round pick

Bo Nix, wide receivers DeVaughn Vele and Troy Franklin also had their moments, as did defensive lineman Jonah Elliss.

The 2025 draft class has yet to show any signs they might do the same. Rookie wide receiver and third round pick

Pat Bryant has been a non-factor. Even the rookie with the biggest role, running back and second round pick RJ Harvey, finds himself in a complementary role to starter

J.K. Dobbins.

Dodgers Make Final Decision on Shohei Ohtani Pitching During NLDS Series vs. Phillies

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to repeat as MLB champions, but they will face a much tougher road this postseason.

They earned themselves a bye last season, however they dipped a bit and had to brave a trip to the National League Wild Card series this year.

The Dodgers easily knocked off the Cincinnati Reds in the series, winning by a combined nine runs in the two games.

Now, they will head East to take on the Philadelphia Phillies, but not before manager Dave Roberts made a big announcement .

Roberts told reporters in his postgame press conference that star pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for game one in Philadelphia.

Ohtani didn’t have the luxury of making the playoffs when he was with the Los Angeles Angels and was unable to pitch for the Dodgers last year because he was still recovering from an injury.

Now, he gets the opportunity to showcase his unprecedented talents on the game’s biggest stage.

The Japanese superstar has dominated both at the plate and on the mound in his career, but has ultimately been somewhat of a part-time pitcher due to frequent arm injuries.

Los Angeles did a tremendous job of managing his workload this season and now Ohtani will finally show his true impact. He is currently batting .333 with two home runs and four RBIs in just two games, so he is giving fans hope for a special playoff run.

The Phillies have a gauntlet of talented hitters — mainly infielders Bryce Harper and Trea Turner and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber — so Ohtani will have his work cut out for him.

The series between Los Angeles and Philadelphia begins this Saturday as two of the most expensive rosters in baseball face off.

With perennial All-Stars and MVP candidates across the board, the Phillies-Dodgers showdown could be one for the ages.

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