Why Broncos 2025 first-round pick getting reps on defense? Vance Joseph explains

The Denver Broncos face a challenging assignment in Week 3 when they host the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday night football. While the Rams were beaten badly in the season-opening game against the San Francisco 49ers , Sean McVay's team responded well to that defeat with a one-sided triumph in Week 2 over the New York Giants .

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw four TD passes in that game, and Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph knows that his secondary will be under the gun to be at its best against the team that most believe is the favorite to win this year's Super Bowl.

One of the players who is likely to see action in this game is nickel back Jahdae Barron . He did not make much of a contribution in Week 2 in the team's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars , but that may not be the case against the Rams. Joseph was asked about Barron — a 2025 first-round draft pick — and the coach said he is prepared on every play .

This is Barron's second year with the Broncos . He played in all 17 regular-season games a year ago and had 35 tackles, 5 passes defensed and 1 interception. The 5-11, 200-pound defensive back from Texas had 4 tackles in the season opener against the Chiefs , but he did not make any measurable contributions against the Jaguars.

The Broncos will be tested by Davante Adams , who had a 2-touchdown performance in the win over the Giants. Cornerbacks Patrick Surtain and Riley Moss will be tested by the Rams passing game, and that will be a more significant issue than slowing down the Jacksonville passing game.