The Dallas Cowboys used their third-round pick (No. 92) to secure Michigan Wolverines edge Jaishawn Barham, further strengthening their defense following earlier selections of Malachi Lawrence and Caleb Downs.

The Dallas Cowboys' official page on X posted, welcoming Barham to the team, with a caption stating:

“Barham looks best in blue,” tagging Michigan Football and Jaishawn Barham’s official account.

Barham was ranked as one of the top five linebackers in college football during his Junior year by the media. Over four years, two seasons each with Maryland and Michigan, he recorded a total of 193 tackles (119 solo), 12 sacks, and 7 passes defended. His defensive prowess surely stood out to the Cowboys, who were in the bottom 10 in defense last season.

Per Todd McShay of The Ringer, “Barham is an off-ball linebacker turned edge with intriguing upside thanks to his explosiveness, aggression, and versatility.” 

The Cowboys, as mentioned by Brian Schottenheimer, would line up Barham at inside linebacker and make him work closer to the middle part of the field, as reported by Tommy Yarrish via DallasCowboys.com.

Despite his projections to be an explosive and impactful player, a few disagree, citing his size and lack of control, questioning his fit in the Cowboys' defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme. His last year at Michigan did see a significant rise in the number of missed tackles.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic is of the opinion that Barham 'lacks the instincts to play off-ball or the size to be an every-down edge.'

But Brugler also notes he wins at speed and physicality, though he needs to improve control of his explosiveness. 

These sentiments are also echoed by fans, as many believe that he doesn't have much production or play-making ability to stand out, with most criticizing the Michigan-Cowboys alliance.

How did fans react to the third-round pick by the Cowboys

While a few fans agreed that Barham was a good pick for the defense, many others weren't satisfied with the Cowboys opting for a Michigan player.

“To all the casuals, this dude is a great 3rd round pick”, one fan noted.

Barham can provide assistance and depth at the linebacker position, particularly aiding DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James.

Another fan appreciated Jones' choice of picks this time, focusing on defense.

"3/3 on draft picks so far, Jerry is on a roll!!!"

Some fans don't seem as pleased. One such fan wants the team to concentrate on other defense needs than on the edge. 

”It doesn't matter how you spell it out to me. I just don't understand how you take a 2nd pass rusher and not a CB here. I’m sorry, but I just don't understand it."

Some were quite skeptical about the Cowboys going with a Michigan pick often. 

“No one knows who this dude is. There was real talent there. There is some connection with Michigan and Dallas because they take Michigan guys and they don't work out.”

Previous Michigan picks such as DT Mazi Smith (2023) and TE Luke Schoonmaker (2023) have not had a reasonable impact on the team's performance, with Smith being labelled Dallas' "most haunting" pick.

Another fan called out the owner for favoritism.

“Can't go a year without a Michigan player, huh, Jerry?"

Barham's draft shows that the Cowboys are paying attention to meet the defense roster needs, hoping to improve their 7-9-1 record from last season.

Will Jaishawn Barham be able to help the Cowboys reach the postseason after missing it two years in a row? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Surjo Roy