The Atlanta Falcons have built a strong secondary in recent years. AJ Terrell, the team’s 2020 first-round draft pick, has blossomed into one of the better cornerbacks in the league. They’ve also built a ridiculous safety tandem behind him, signing Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons in recent years.

Atlanta also had a few players step up this season, one of them being Mike Hughes, who played solidly opposite Terrell. The Falcons are still in a tight race for the NFC South Division title as they are tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 8-7. However, Atlanta holds the lead as they defeated Tampa Bay earlier in the season.

If they want to run away with the league lead next year, they will need to think about continuing to build on their strong secondary. That’s why A to Z Sports Atlanta’s Travis May selected Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the No. 19 pick in his most recent mock draft.

This may seem like a try for the Atlanta Falcons, but it certainly isn’t. Jahdae Barron has been a turnover machine and a key leader on the Texas Longhorns defense this season. His coverage has been near perfect as he is giving up just 7.9 yards per reception this year, allowing no touchdowns on 61 targets and defending 13 passes. He just seems to be in the right place at the right time all The time thanks to his experienced skill, physicality and instincts as a defender.

Barron emerged as a superstar in Texas last season, totaling 11 passes defensed and five interceptions. In five seasons with the Longhorns, Barron has amassed 24 passes defensed, 20 tackles for loss and eight interceptions. The additional experience could be beneficial in his transition to the NFL, as cornerback is one of the hardest positions to get used to at the next level.