Over the years, fans and draft pundits have created ever more complex schemes, strategies and outright fantasies about what they think NFL teams should do in the NFL Draft.
Draft preparation is no longer about trying to predict what teams will do, today it is much more about telling teams what they should to do – and then criticizing them for failing to follow whatever mock draft or big board somebody concocted.
Underlying all of that is an inherent distrust in the scouting competence of NFL teams,
all 32 of which have infinitely more information about draft prospects at their disposal than any draft pundit out there. But when has that stopped anybody from loudly proclaiming that this or that team must draft this or that prospect, or else!
So every year we wonder whether the Cowboys know exactly what they are doing (“Dude, highly unlikely!”) and may eventually look like geniuses, or whether this is just your big dumb team trying and failing to outsmart everyone else once again (“I told ya they should have drafted T.J. Watt!!!!”)?
Only time will tell.
Here’s a quick look at some of the media grades that have come in so far for yesterday’s Cowboys pick.
Pick 92. Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan
CBS Sports: A
The Cowboys got their pass-downs edge in Round 1 and now they get their run-downs edge in round three. Barham is one of the most physical players in the entire class who loves throwing his body around in the box.
Barham gives the Cowboys additional pass-rush promise beyond Malachi Lawrence with some speed and production. He might be situational at first but he does have some upside vs. the run to start in short order.
NFL.com: No grade
Barham was one of my favorite studies this draft season, physical and fearless in pursuit. Finding out his best role will be important, as there’s a wild quality to Barham’s play at times. He can blitz, chase and even drop in coverage well.
USA Today: A-
Is Jerry Jones killing this draft? Barham has some head-turning moments as a pass rusher, even though he’s still finding his way there after primarily operating as an off-ball linebacker. Dallas can bring him along slowly while still tapping into his relentlessness.
SI.com: B+
Barham started his collegiate career with the Maryland Terrapins before transferring to the Wolverines before the 2024 season. A two-year starter at Michigan, the 240-pounder totaled 98 tackles and five sacks, starting 22 games. While he has some pass-rush juice, Barham might be best in an off-ball role, allowing him to track and pursue the ballcarrier.
How he fits with the Cowboys: Barham will be part of a revamped front seven in Dallas. If he can earn some snaps as a rookie, he’ll be working next to first-round pick Malachi Lawrence, inside linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and veteran edge rusher Rashan Gary.
The Athletic: B+
Barham is still a project off the edge, as he played most of his college career as an off-ball linebacker. He’s extremely physical and explosive, though, with good length and speed off the corner. This was a dice roll worth taking for Dallas, as it has time to bring Barham along at the right speed.
The Dallas Cowboys crushed the first-round process. They weren’t done adding to their defensive front despite selecting Malachi Lawrence in the first round.
In some ways, Jaishawn Barham’s addition is similar to Lawrence’s, in that both are developmental edge-rushers with massive upside.
For Barham, he began his final year on campus as an off-ball linebacker before converting to a full-time edge. His flexibility could make him a defensive chess piece in Dallas’ new-look defense.
For The Win: B-
Barham’s bend and quickness will buy him a lot of time in the Dallas defense. He’s a great athlete who makes plays that few contemporaries even dream of. However, the Cowboys are going to have to be patient with him, as he relies more on his athleticism than you would like for a hopeful regular starter. Provided they give him time to get seasoning, the Cowboys might have found themselves a mid-round gem. We’ll see how long they actually stay patient.
SB Nation: B-
Barham plays with quickness and a high motor. The tools are there, but he needs to develop a complete pass-rushing plan to win consistently in the NFL.
Yahoo: C
He reminds you of a less athletic version of YaYa Diaby, and not much else. The Cowboys are throwing resources at their pass rush room though, so the fit is obvious.
