After a long wait on Friday night, the Cowboys finally got to make another pick and took versatile EDGE/LB Jaishawn Barham out of Michigan. How does he potentially fit into Dallas’ defense?
While listed as an EDGE throughout most of the draft process, Barham played mostly off-ball linebacker in 2025 for the Wolverines. At only 240 lbs., his size is better suited to that role. But with explosive traits as a pass rusher, Barham figures to be moved around the front seven and do plenty of blitzing as well.
Despite being their first draft pick on Friday night, Barham wasn’t the first addition to Dallas’ linebacker corps. Hours earlier, the Cowboys traded their fifth-round pick to the 49ers for Dee Winters. While the smaller Winters factors in as a clear nickel LB and will see base formation reps as well, Barham offers much more bulk and run-stopping potential. Adding both tonight is a tremendous boost to Dallas’ weakest position going into the draft.
Barham getting more off-ball work with the Cowboys would make sense given the addition of Malachi Lawrence in the first round. Lawrence is a clear edge rusher in the NFL, joining numerous other options with Donovan Ezeiruaku, Rashan Gary, James Houston, Sam Williams, and some additional prospects.
Before tonight, the Cowboys only had DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, and Justin Barron as inside linebackers. Still, Winters and Barham won’t stop Dallas from looking at other LB prospects, especially with three fourth-round picks coming up. Even if they’re done filling the position through the draft, a veteran free agent could still easily find his way here in the coming week.
If Dallas goes with another true inside LB in the fourthth round, it may indicate that they do see Barham more as a pass rusher. But either way, just as with Caleb Downs, Barham’s versatility is a trait that likely brought him to the Cowboys. It not only allows for unpredictable usage in games, but it’s good insurance against medical concerns for Overshown and general depth issues.
Whatever Jaishawn Barham does best, Dallas needs it. We’ll see what his ultimate positional home is on the team, but the Cowboys’ needs allow for Barham to find success in multiple ways.
