Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are strolling out of the 2026 NFL Draft with seven rookies able to take the sector, and whereas all of them carry their strengths, one could particularly be an underrated gem.
Heading into the draft, one of many massive priorities for the Cowboys was an edge-rusher. That is why they were so interested in Maxx Crosby throughout the offseason. Dallas merely has a necessity at edge-rusher, and so they realized that going into the occasion.
So, the crew drafted not one, not two, however three edge-rushers in Malachi Lawrence of UCF, Jaishawn Barham of Michigan and LT Overton of Alabama. You realize the saying, you may by no means have too many edge-rushers? That is the case right here.
Whereas all three carry their strengths, the Barham decide is kind of the steal.
Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham poised to make noise within the NFL
Say what you’ll in regards to the Michigan Wolverines, and so they have their haters (Ohio State, we’re you), however they’re a heritage soccer program that is aware of the best way to craft stars. With that in thoughts, it should not be stunning in any respect that Barham is wanting like an distinctive worth decide for the Cowboys.
One of many causes Barham wasn’t drafted increased is that groups did not get a strong have a look at him in a single function. He was extra of an off-ball linebacker at Maryland and an edge-rusher at Michigan. However as soon as the Cowboys decide one lane for him, he’ll be capable to develop.
Dallas is prone to begin him off the place he has extra expertise, which is as an off-ball linebacker, and that is what head coach Brian Schottenheimer has said about his plan for the player. However Barham has the makings of a strong EDGE, so there is a good likelihood that defensive coordinator Christian Parker will practice him in that function.
Barham additionally brings strong numbers, and in 2025, he clocked a 90.4 run-defense grade, based on analysis from Professional Soccer Focus, the fourth-best within the nation at edge. So, sure, an edge-rusher function could also be in Barham’s future, though he brings extra rapid worth as a linebacker. Both approach, it is a win-win for Jones and the Cowboys.
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