Dallas Cowboys Player Profile: Jaishawn Barham clearly has a bigger role waiting for him than expected
Though not one of the Dallas Cowboys’ two first-round picks, Jaishawn Barham is one of the top players to watch in training camp once it kicks off July 28 in Oxnard, California.
It’s not difficult to see why the Dallas Cowboys are excited about rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham. He’s an explosive and strong player that caused many, including our own draft expert at A to Z Sports, Kyle Crabbs, to label him as one of the “sleepers” of this year’s class.
And one of the most fun aspects of Barham heading to the Cowboys is that they have a plan for him. Let’s dive into his Cowboys player profile.
Jaishawn Barham player profile
- Age: 22
- Year: 2nd
- Position: Linebacker
- College: Michigan
- Jersey Number: 55
The Cowboys picked Barham in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the pick they acquired in the Osa Odighizuwa trade via the San Francisco 49ers. His role going into the preseason is expected to be linebacker, but the line is a little blurry.
Throughout the draft process, many listed Barham as an edge rusher. Reasonably so, as that’s where he played his last year in Michigan. However, the Cowboys immediately made it clear they view him as an inside linebacker first, which is where he started his collegiate career. His versatility should earn him a role on Christian Parker’s defense right away (more on that later).
The Cowboys said after the draft they viewed Barham as a prospect worthy of going in the top two rounds, so getting him in the third had to be a big win in the war room. During the offseason program, Barham trained with the inside linebackers.
Contract details
Barham is in the first of his four-year rookie deal and is set to make $885,000 in base salary. He received a $1.42 million signing bonus and is set to count $1.24 against the cap in 2026.
His contract runs through the 2029 NFL season.
Roster outlook
Any third-round rookie should be considered a roster lock, but Barham is poised to have a role even as a rookie. Some expect that to be similar to what the Philadelphia Eagles did with Zack Baun, who was named first-team All-Pro in 2024.
If so, Barham is likely to get many linebacker reps in which he walks down to the line of scrimmage to play on the edge.
“We were all juiced about Jaishawn,” Cowboys national scout Ross Wuensche said after the draft. “Jaishawn can play inside, he can play outside. I think (Cowboys VP of player personnel Will McClay) made the Arvell Reese comp.”
“I don’t think an inside linebacker projection is a reach, I think that he can play it.” Wuensche said. “We’re going to go penny looks, any five-down looks, it’s gonna cause hell. He’s a really cool pickup.”
Roster chances: 100%