Jaishawn Barham, a 22-year-old linebacker from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 92nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Barham began his college career at Maryland, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022, before transferring to Michigan in 2024. At Michigan, he became a four-year starter and was recognized as an Academic All-Big Ten selection, underscoring his reputation for high football IQ and disciplined preparation.
According to the Cowboys’ internal evaluation cited in their official announcement, Barham was the top-rated edge player on their board when they selected him at No. 92. His versatility allows him to line up as an inside linebacker or rush off the edge as an outside linebacker, giving defensive coordinator flexibility in sub-packages.
During his lone season as an edge rusher for Michigan in 2025, Barham recorded 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, and 21 quarterback pressures in 12 games. Analysts noted his quick diagnosis of plays, explosive first step, and violent hands as standout traits, though his coverage ability as an inside linebacker was flagged as needing refinement.
His physical profile — listed at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds — drew some concern about his ability to consistently set the edge against the run, with evaluators suggesting he may require to add mass to thrive as a two-down player. However, his bend and pass-rush upside were rated above average for the position.
The selection marks a continuation of the Cowboys’ recent trend of targeting Michigan defenders, as Barham becomes the first Wolverine drafted in the third round since Jourdan Lewis, who was also selected 92nd overall in 2017.
Meanwhile, former Michigan defensive coordinator and current Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has a well-documented history with the program, a connection highlighted by broadcaster Brock Huard during a pre-draft analysis. Huard noted that Macdonald and his staff “recognize these guys inside and out,” referring to both Barham and former Wolverine Derrick Moore, who also played at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore.
For more on this story, see Dallas Cowboys Acquire Linebacker Dee Winters from 49ers for Fifth-Round Pick.
Huard contrasted the two prospects, describing Moore as a high-floor, technically refined edge rusher with 10.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2025, while labeling Barham a higher-risk, higher-reward prospect who “may bloom with the right coaching” due to his athletic upside and positional versatility.
Despite the Seahawks’ interest in edge rushers — a position of need alongside running back and cornerback — they did not select either Michigan prospect in the early rounds, leaving the Cowboys to secure Barham in the third round.
Social media reaction among Cowboys fans, as tracked by local outlet Blogging The Boys, showed cautious optimism, with many noting the value of selecting a versatile, intelligent defender at a position where Dallas has sought depth and flexibility.
Why did the Cowboys prioritize versatility in their selection of Barham?
The Cowboys valued Barham’s ability to play both inside and outside linebacker, which allows them to deploy him in multiple defensive packages without sacrificing flexibility, especially in sub-package situations where disguising coverage is key.
What concerns were raised about Barham’s readiness to contribute as a rookie?
>Analysts noted that Barham’s frame may need additional mass to consistently hold up against the run when setting the edge, and his coverage skills as an inside linebacker require refinement, though his pass-rush traits and football IQ suggest early impact potential in specific roles.
How does Barham’s selection fit into the Cowboys’ recent drafting trends?
Barham continues the Cowboys’ pattern of selecting Michigan defenders, becoming the first Wolverine taken in the third round since Jourdan Lewis in 2017, with both players selected at the 92nd overall pick.
