Dallas Selects Jaishawn Barham in the 3rd Round of the 2026 NFL Draft

In the 3rd round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Jaishawn Barham from the University of Michigan.

I love this pick. Jaishawn Barham has the traits, and he can play standing up or with a hand on the ground. He is a defensive chess piece that can be moved around the defense.

Barham brings size, speed, and violence. That is exactly what the Cowboys need.

Jaishawn Barham Michigan linebacker tracking the play and closing in on the ball carrier during game action

Why Jaishawn Barham Makes Sense

Jaishawn Barham is the type of defender who can line up off the ball, walk down near the line of scrimmage, blitz, chase, and make plays in space. That will help upgrade the defensive versatility.

This pick also tells me the Cowboys want more athleticism and toughness and Barham can help in that area.

He may not be a finished product, but in the third round, I’m fine betting on upside. You’re not always going to get perfect players in this range. You’re looking for guys with athletic ability that can be turned into something better.

Jaishawn Barham Michigan Wolverines linebacker in a defensive stance reading the offense before the snap

Jaishawn Barham at Michigan

Barham is listed at around 6’3” and 240 pounds, and he plays like it. He has the frame to hold up near the line of scrimmage, but is athletic enough to chase plays down.

At Michigan, Jaishawn Barham showed he could make plays in multiple ways. He had 98 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumbles, and five sacks in his career.

I love this production.

Jaishawn Barham Michigan linebacker sacks the quarterback during a college football game before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Get More Flexibility

This pick gives the Cowboys options.

He can be used as a traditional linebacker, pressure the quarterback, and help against the run. We could also see him contribute on special teams early on.

That type of versatility matters for a Cowboys’ defense that needed more young, athletic bodies in the front seven.

Let’s Not Overhype the Pick

Dallas didn’t just draft the next Micah Parsons.

I do think this is a strong third-round pick.

Barham gives the Cowboys a high-upside defender with some real tools that translate. IF he hits, Dallas may have found a starter-caliber linebacker who can also bring pressure off the edge.

That is exactly the type of value you want in Round 3.

The Cowboys needed more speed, physicality, and depth. Jaishawn Barham brings all three.

I’m a fan of this pick.

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Cody Warren

Cody Warren is a sports journalist at InsideTheStar.com, where he has published 302 articles reaching over 1 million readers. He is a Law Enforcement Officer with nearly 20 years of professional service across multiple assignments, bringing investigative rigor and a commitment to factual accuracy to his Dallas Cowboys coverage.