It’s too early to tell how solid the Dallas Cowboys’ haul in the 2026 NFL draft was, but early indications say it borders on “rock” solid. Not only did the Cowboys potentially score the best defensive player in the draft with Caleb Downs but they might have added a foundational middle linebacker (MIKE) as well.
Jaishawn Barham, a Michigan edge player, came to the NFL a bit of a mystery. With experience as both a pass rusher and off-ball linebacker, there was significant debate as to where the 6-foot-3, 240-pound prospect would best fit in the NFL. Many made the case for edge while others felt a return to off-ball was his best path forward.
The Cowboys didn’t seem to have much debate, pegging Barham as an off-ball player from the start. Barham offered similarities to Zack Baun in Philadelphia and with former Eagles defensive assistant Christian Parker now leading the Dallas defense, the blueprint wasn’t hard to imagine.
The Cowboys' Jaishawn Barham (55) is going to be a weapon on early downs.
Against the Cardinals, DC Christian Parker used him on the open side (away from the TE) to puncture the Cardinals' downhill run game.
These pressures are becoming an excellent way to attack early down… pic.twitter.com/8d4Vyi189N
After over a month of practice these summer expectations have done anything but cool for the stoic prospect. Will McClay recently sat down with The Athletic to discuss the Cowboys and spoke plainly of his 22-year-old linebacker.
“Barham is a grown man from a standpoint of, mentally, he’s shown that he can handle different things that we’re doing with him,” McClay said of his rookie. “He’s very physical, very intentional, and dialed in.”
Despite missing time in training camp with a groin injury, Braham dominated in preseason action. Wearing the green dot, he had a near flawless performance showing days of being the starting MIKE might not be as far off and once thought.
it happened… 👀
Jaishawn Barham got in front of a microphone.
“Physicality, yeah, i showed it. There’s more to show, and you’ll see that as the year goes on.”
is he ready for Week 1?
“i’m ready right now. We can play right now, for real.”
on playing the Saints after the… pic.twitter.com/57YU9gF0QM
Given the time missed it’s difficult to see him snagging a starting role right away on Day 1. But it’s not unfathomable to see something like that happen by midseason. In fact, that’s probably where expectations should be. Barham is by far the most physically imposing linebacker on the team and based on preseason play, he might already be the most mentally opposing as well.
It’s only a matter of time before Barham breaks through into the Cowboys’ starting lineup.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys' rookie a ‘grown man’ with starting expectations in 2026
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