Why Texas HC Steve Sarkisian thinks Jahdae Barron made a smart, life-changing decision about his NFL future
Barron didn’t like his NFL Draft grades last offseason. Now he’s anywhere from a late first to third-round pick.
Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron may soon become the Longhorns’ poster child for staying in school one extra year to secure a better NFL future.
Barron thought about going pro last season but didn’t like his draft grades. He chose to put his trust in Steve Sarkisian and the coaching staff. It’s paying off as Barron is now projected to be anywhere from a late first to third round pick, depending on what mock draft you follow.
That could result in a life-changing difference in money, Sarkisian believes.
“Everybody’s at varying stages of their own development, right?,” Sarkisian said. “And sometimes it’s physical development, sometimes it’s mental development, sometimes it’s maturity development. And everybody’s at a different stage, at a different time, and I think that's why you're hearing so many people now being proponents of that fifth year.
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“So many guys, they just want to hurry up and get to the NFL. OK, but are you really ready for the NFL?,” Sarkisian added. “A guy like Jahdae, who maybe didn't get a great grade but is playing himself up into an earlier round, that’s money that he would never be able to make back when he gets to the NFL.
“I know a lot of agents preach just get to your second contract. That’s true, whenever you go to the NFL, but you can never go back and make that money” from your rookie deal based on draft slot, Sarkisian said.
“When we have players that really buy into the developmental piece and what one more year could look like for them, I think it just really speaks volumes to for our younger players, for what it can look like. And again, not every guy is going to decide to stay. I understand that.”
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Barron is fifth on the team in tackles with 29 tackles along with three interceptions and six pass break-ups. NIL deals can help soften the financial blow of players delaying the jump to the NFL.
Sarkisian said Barron and defensive tackle Alfred Collins both made smart decisions to come back for another year. Quarterback Quinn Ewers may face this same decision this offseason, although most expect him to jump into the NFL Draft no matter what.
For future Longhorns trying to decide whether to stay at UT or jump into the draft prematurely, Barron is a case study in staying put.
“Just the fact to hurry up and get to the NFL, that sounds like a good idea,” Sarkisian said. “But if you're not really ready, you know, the the old adage is NFL stands for Not For Long, and then what do we have? And so we just try to educate our guys as best we can so that they can make sound decisions. And I think Jahdae made a really sound decision.
“I think it’s one, as he looks back in his life, he’s going to be glad that he made.”
