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Former member of iconic Broncos' defense pledges to help a rookie in ways that will give him an advantage for 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated May 16, 2025 1:55 PM ET

When you think of some of the best defenses of all time, the Denver Broncos have one right up there near the top, if not the best one of all time. The No Fly Zone with some of your favorite defensive players ever is one that will never be forgotten.

Guys like Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr, and safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart made up the No Fly Zone secondary. And then in the first level and second level, you had guys like Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Derek Wolfe, Sylvester Williams, Malik Jackson, and Danny Trevathan. The defense was stacked.

But when it comes to that secondary, there was literally no one better. So, if you have some young defensive backs, guys who are going to be the future of the defense, why wouldn't you want your guys learning from members of the No Fly Zone defense?

The Broncos will be getting that. After drafting Jahdae Barron in the 2025 NFL Draft, a guy who is seen as a gadget defensive back, meaning he can play everywhere, the Broncos are set to have a really good defense once again. And, Barron is set to get some help.

Really cool: Chris Harris Jr is willing to help Jahdae Barron transition to the NFL.

“Different things that you have to understand in coverages and movements that I can definitely help him on in what he’s going to have to do in VJ’s system.”

(CHJ told @BennieFowler123 on…
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) May 14, 2025

“Different things that you have to understand in coverages and movements that I can definitely help him [Barron] on in what he’s going to have to do in VJ's [Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph] system," Chris Harris Jr. said on the DNVR Broncos podcast.

And who better to teach him than Harris Jr.? Harris Jr. played in Joseph's scheme when he was the head coach of the Broncos in 2017 and 2018. So, he does know the defensive system, because it is the same as the one now, despite Joseph being the defensive coordinator and not the head coach.

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For Barron, he is set to be a slot cornerback, but he will be able to do so much more than that. He is very similar to Harris Jr. in what they are able to do in a scheme, and what they will be asked to do. Barron won't play on the outside much, but he can.

“You've got to be able to play everything in that slot. I’m pretty sure he’s ready for it," Harris Jr. said.

Barron will be more ready than the average rookie because of the help that he's going to get from a former All-Pro. And, the Broncos will need that against the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, all teams who will be fighting for the division title.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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