• Production Score: 94
• Athleticism Score: 79 
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 89

When you combine Barron’s measurables with his on-field production at Texas, he stands out as one of the most analytically supported prospects in this year’s class, according to the Next Gen Stats draft model. The first-team All-American earned the fifth-highest overall score (89) in the NGS model in 2025 — each of the four players ranked above him were drafted within the top 14 picks.

With experience both in the slot and on the perimeter, Barron projects as a versatile chess piece for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and a strong complement to Patrick Surtain II. Perhaps that connection helped seal the deal — at Texas, Barron played under Joseph’s cousin, Terry Joseph, who jumped from the Longhorns’ coaching staff to the Saints’ this offseason. Instead of addressing immediate needs, GM George Paton and head coach Sean Payton selected the best player available at No. 20, according to both Daniel Jeremiah’s draft board and the NGS model.