How Jaishawn Barham impacts the Cowboys defense

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 18: Jaishawn Barham #1 of the Michigan Wolverines while playing the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a long wait on Friday night, the Cowboys finally got to make another pick and took versatile EDGE/LB Jaishawn Barham out of Michigan. How does he potentially fit into Dallas’ defense?

While listed as an EDGE throughout most of the draft process, Barham played mostly off-ball linebacker in 2025 for the Wolverines. At only 240 lbs. , his size is better suited to that role.

But with explosive traits as a pass rusher, Barham figures to be moved around the front seven and do plenty of blitzing as well. Despite being their first draft pick on Friday night, Barham wasn’t the first addition to Dallas’ linebacker corps. Hours earlier, the Cowboys traded their fifth-round pick to the 49ers for Dee Winters .

While the smaller Winters factors in as a clear nickel LB and will see base formation reps as well, Barham offers much more bulk and run-stopping potential. Adding both tonight is a tremendous boost to Dallas’ weakest position going into the draft. Barham getting more off-ball work with the Cowboys would make sense given the addition of Malachi Lawrence in the first round.