The Dallas Cowboys are completely reinventing their defense in 2026, and that starts with the NFL draft and players like 3rd-round pick Jaishawn Barham.
USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz called Barham, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound edge rusher, the “Biggest Steal” of the draft.
“Between his size and limited usage at edge rusher until his final season at Michigan, Barham offered up a projection less straightforward than many of his peers,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote. “What was readily evident, though, was his overall knack for creating disruption. The Maryland transfer throttles up his intensity in an instant, allowing him to close in on quarterbacks and ball carriers in short order. The Cowboys will start him off at off-ball linebacker, where his responsibilities are sure to be more complex than merely finding the ball and chasing it down. Yet it might not be long before defensive coordinator Christian Parker wants to carve out more reps for a player who can make himself a mainstay in opponents’ backfields.”
Barham was 1 of 3 edge rushers the Cowboys drafted in 2026, along with 1st round pick (No. 23 overall) Malachi Lawrence and 4th round pick LT Overton, who could eventually move to the interior defensive line.
The Cowboys also used their 1st pick of the 1st round on a defensive player, taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall.
Barham’s Position Switch Late in College Career
Barham was an All-Big Ten pick in 2025 after switching positions from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher.
“Barham logged most of his snaps at off-ball linebacker, but his 2025 tape showed explosiveness that will attract teams seeking a developmental rush ‘backer in an odd front,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. “He’s raw as a rusher, relying heavily on athleticism, but the missing elements are teachable. Whether outside or inside, he’s a professional block-beater with the tools to stack or slip blocks, though his edge-setting needs work. His bend and reactive agility create unlikely tackle chances that few can find. His intensity and motor are top-tier but he needs to play with better discipline to avoid negative snaps. With explosive traits and inside-outside versatility, he projects as an impactful future starter once his technique catches up.”
Cowboys Looking to Reboot Edge Rusher Position
The Cowboys have had zero identity at edge rusher since trading NFL All-Pro Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just weeks before the 2025 season.
Taking Lawrence and Barham with back-to-back picks in the draft, along with trading for former 1st round pick Rashan Gary, helps get the Cowboys back on track after having arguably the NFL’s worst defense in 2025.
ESPN’s Field Yates singled out Barham as the biggest steal of the 3rd round.
“The weekend went very well for the Cowboys, including this selection of Barham,” Yates wrote. “The former Maryland standout began his college career as a stand-up linebacker before moving to a hybrid role during his final season at Michigan. Barham has aggressive hands and is explosive when rushing the passer. Still, he needs to develop a better rush plan at the NFL level.”
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