There’s already an exciting one-on-one matchup in the AFC West to circle—Las Vegas Raiders wideout Jack Bech versus Denver Broncos defensive back Jahdae Barron.
Out West, things are going to be intriguing—scratch that, the NFL’s toughest division is going to be a gauntlet. Looking up at three playoff squads coming into this season, the Raiders reloaded using the draft. One of their most notable selections was Bech. Expectations are high for the former TCU standout as a potential No. 2 wide receiver, despite his rookie status.
The Broncos did not stay idle. They strengthened their already formidable defensive backfield by drafting the standout from Texas. Expectations for Barron are high, similar to those for Bech.
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The Raiders and Broncos might have the next great battle…
The NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger recently shed light on this upcoming battle that could dominate AFC West headlines for years.
“Jack Bech, the second pick by the Raiders, coming in at wide receiver. I would imagine he will be catching footballs from Geno Smith pretty quickly,” said Baldinger. “When they face Denver twice next year, at least twice—they’re going to see Jahdae Barron out there.”
Most Raiders fans are well accustomed to seeing a dominant Broncos secondary. This is particularly true with Vance Joseph leading the defense.
“Barron, I think, adds to an embarrassment of riches for what the Broncos and Vance Joseph have in the secondary for the Broncos,” Baldinger added. “I imagine they will be seeing each other in that matchup that we get to see twice a year.”
In his final season at Texas, Barron recorded five interceptions and 11 pass deflections. Statistically, Barron was fourth in the NCAA with that interception count in 2024 and was No. 1 in the SEC. Joseph himself has had nothing but praise for the Broncos’ first-round choice. The Raiders aim to counter Barron by utilizing Bech’s versatility, a trait that Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has praised highly.
If both rookies deliver on expectations, the division could have its next outstanding receiver/corner battle for the next few years.
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