Headbutts, position switch among 5 things to know about Cowboys Barham

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys selected linebacker Jaishawn Barham in the third round of the draft. Barham, previously committed to South Carolina, transferred from Maryland to Michigan to play alongside his high school teammate Derrick Moore.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys selected Jaishawn Barham in the third round.
Barham is an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher.
He transferred from Maryland to Michigan to play with Derrick Moore.
Barham initially committed to South Carolina before changing his decision.
He received offers from several top programs before his commitment.

Mentioned in this story

South Carolina GamecocksMichigan WolverinesMaryland TerrapinsPenn State Nittany LionsTexas A&M AggiesIowa HawkeyesFlorida Gators

Dallas CowboysJaishawn Barham

The Dallas Cowboys waited through 59 picks on Day 2 of the draft, only making a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for linebacker Dee Winters before they got on the clock. They went defense for the third-straight selection, adding Jaishawn Barham, an off-ball linebacker and edge out of Michigan. He is an excellent ball of clay who could develop into a plus pass rusher with the ability to drop into coverage if he develops correctly.

Dallas wouldn’t draft a prospect without knowing everything it can about him, but for fans who want some info on the newest Cowboys player, here are five interesting things about pick No. 92 in the third round.

Barham flipped commitment to stay home before transferring to Michigan

After receiving offers from Penn State, Texas A&M, Iowa, and Florida, Barham committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks but on signing day he decided to stay home and attend Maryland his first two college seasons. He left for Michigan to team up with his friend Derrick Moore and finish his final two years of college. They were teammates at St. Francis Academy in high school and a higher profile, plus teaming with Moore made it an easy decision for Barham.

Barham was once penalized for headbutting an official

Barham almost became enemy number one for the Michigan Wolverine fanbase after he was flagged for headbutting official Kole Knueppel and giving rival Ohio State a first and goal after they had made a stop on third down. He wasn't ejected, the defense still held to a field goal, and the game ended up a blowout for the Buckeyes, so he dodged the chaos after causing a ton of it.

He improved his run defense every season

Barham had a 70.6 Pro Football Focus run grade in 2022 as a freshman at Maryland. It increased to 75.1 in 2023 before moving to Michigan. In Michigan, as a linebacker, his PFF run grade it jumped to 86.7 in 2024, and in his final year, after the switch to an edge rusher, he bumped it up to 90.4. Barham is known for his pass rush, but the run defense got better every single season.

Q&A

What position does Jaishawn Barham play for the Dallas Cowboys?

Jaishawn Barham plays as an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher.

Why did Jaishawn Barham transfer from Maryland to Michigan?

Barham transferred to Michigan to team up with his high school friend Derrick Moore and finish his college career.

Which teams offered Jaishawn Barham before he committed to South Carolina?

Before committing to South Carolina, Barham received offers from Penn State, Texas A&M, Iowa, and Florida.

What draft pick number was Jaishawn Barham selected by the Cowboys?

Jaishawn Barham was selected by the Cowboys with the 92nd pick in the third round of the draft.