There's a new wave of excitement rolling through Dallas, and it's centered on a fresh face at linebacker. The Cowboys have been busy shoring up their defense, and the addition of Jaishawn Barham has fans and analysts alike buzzing with anticipation.
After addressing some key needs early in the draft, Dallas made a savvy move just before the second round concluded. They traded their own fifth-round pick to San Francisco for linebacker Dee Winters, who started 27 of 32 games for the 49ers over the past two seasons. Winters immediately steps in as a potential starter alongside a finally healthy DeMarvion Overshown, now entering his third offseason since being drafted in the third round of 2023. It's a promising duo that gives the Cowboys a solid foundation in the middle of their defense.
But the real headliner came on Day 2 of the draft. Using a third-round pick acquired from the Niners in the Osa Odighizuwa pre-draft trade, Dallas couldn't call in their selection fast enough. The pick? Michigan linebacker/defensive end Jaishawn Barham. The reaction in the war room? Pure celebration.
"He's been on our radar all season," said Cowboys vice president of player personnel Will McClay, who quickly pegged Barham as an inside linebacker candidate. And once you see this guy, it's easy to understand the excitement.
Barham is an imposing presence at 6-foot-3 and a rock-solid 240 pounds. He clocked a 4.6-second 40-yard dash at that size, showcasing rare athleticism for a player his build. Scouting reports consistently rate him as a four-star prospect and a true third-round gem. One report highlights his "violent hands at the point of attack," and those who have seen him up close say he brings a "violent stare" to match. When Barham arrived at The Star for rookie minicamp, the energy was palpable.
Some might have questioned the pick—after all, the Cowboys already had Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku penciled in as starters, plus the addition of veteran Demarcus Lawrence. But Barham's versatility is the key. He's not just an EDGE rusher; he's a hybrid talent who can slide inside and disrupt offenses from multiple angles. In today's NFL, where versatility is king, Barham fits perfectly into the Cowboys' scheme.
The linebacker room in Dallas suddenly looks deep, athletic, and hungry. With Winters and Overshown anchoring the inside and Barham bringing a wrecking-ball mentality, the Cowboys are building a defense that could cause headaches for offenses across the league. It's early, but the pieces are coming together—and Jaishawn Barham is at the center of the excitement.