Cowboys Draft Jaishawn Barham: A Defensive Gamble

0:00On April 25th, the Dallas Cowboys kept stacking their defensive line in the draft, grabbing edge-rusher Jason Barham from Michigan with a 92 pick in Round 3. Barham transferred from Maryland before the 2024 season where he became a two-year starter for the Wolverines. The 240-pounder racked up 98 tackles in 5-sacks over 22 starts, showing real physicality in the box. Barham's NBA outlets mostly love the pick, handing out A's from spots like CBS Sports and sporting news for his run-stopping power and past rush upside. A few gave B's or lower, noting he's still raw after playing off-ball linebacker most of college. He joins first-round edge-pick Malachi Lawrence and a revamp front-7 alongside guys like Demarbian overshown. Analysts see him as a flexible chest piece, who could blitz, chase, or even drop into coverage once developed. Dallas bet on his explosiveness and motor. Betting patience pays off in turning another mid-round athlete into a starter.

1:04Only time will drop the real verdict on this defensive gamble.