Barham selection further shows Cowboys commitment to address need to rush opposing quarterbacks and maintain edges.
DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys have wheeled and dealed through the first couple days of the 2026 NFL Draft, making three trades over involving picks or players.
In the case of their lone scheduled third-round pick, the Cowboys didn’t play around and stood pat, selecting another potential pass rushing threat, linebacker Jaishawn Barham of Michigan.
Mostly seen as a speedy edge rusher, Barham also has experience as more of a coverage linebacker. Barham started his college career at Maryland, where he played for two seasons before finishing in Ann Arbor.
ESPN’s Matt Miller in early post-pick analysis says the Cowboys are getting “juice off the edge” with the Barham selection and says his speed is “an amazing asset.”
“Combining Barham with first-rounder Malachi Lawrence immediately boosts the speed of a defense that far too often looked outpaced by offenses last season,” Miller writes.
Friday, Lawrence made his first visit to Cowboys headquarters in Frisco, as did first pick Caleb Downs. WFAA’s Ultimate Dallas Sports Show covered Downs’ arrival.
Check back for updates and watch the remainder of the NFL Draft on WFAA for more Cowboys draft coverage.