When it came to following the defensive talent at the start of the Dallas Cowboys' 2026 training camp, nearly all eyes were on first-round rookie Caleb Downs.
But over the two weeks, third-round pick Jaishawn Barham has been causing quite a stir. So far, he's been Dallas' most-talked-about defender and one of its overall brightest stars of camp.
Barham's hot start is mostly unexpected
A big reason why Barham is getting so much attention is that, to be fair, his quick emergence is a surprise. After all, Barham is transitioning back to off-ball linebacker in Dallas after spending his senior year at Michigan as an edge rusher.
Even through the Scouting Combine and draft process, Barham was advertising himself as an edge. But almost immediately after the Cowboys selected him in the third round, they made their intention to move Barham back to the ILB role he played before 2025.
While many were excited about this prospect, even projecting that it would be a better role for him in the NFL, most were expecting some growing pains. But Barham has hit the ground running in Oxnard, not only adapting quickly but also being one of the regular playmakers of the defensive group.
Instead of looking like the third wheel behind projected starters DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters, Barham may already be pushing the veteran for playing time.
Jaishawn Barham is far from the Cowboys' only defensive standout
It's not like Barham's lacked for competition for the spotlight, either.
Caleb Downs has certainly commanded attention, not just for his draft status but also for plenty of great plays going against CeeDee Lamb and other offensive starters. Quinnen Williams, who just got paid like an elite DT, has been challenging the offensive line more than they've ever seen before in a Cowboys training camp.
Free agent Cobie Durant has also been a summer stud, arguably the team's best corner so far in Oxnard. And before missing some time with a minor injury, Jalen Thompson was also earning high praise from his new coaches.
Jaishawn Barham may be needed immediately
All of these are great things, of course, but the Cowboys may need immediate impact from Barham more than any of these other guys in 2026.
Even if Downs or Malachi Lawrence hit a rookie wall, there are Thompson and P.J Locke, or Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku, to keep things running.
Even without Quinnen up front, Kenny Clark and Otito Ogbonnia would still give Dallas a solid interior presence. At cornerback, you'd still have DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, and a host of other candidates who could handle regular-season snaps.
But at inside linebacker, Barham may be needed right away. Overshown has already had to miss some practices with leg soreness, keeping a red flag planted firmly next to his name. If his next injury does cost him real games, Overshown's projected role as the defense's Mike and green dot would be up for grabs.
Even if a different veteran or a savant like Downs ends up with the green dot, Dallas would still need an ILB capable of commanding the middle of the field.
Between a perceived lack of depth at linebacker and the ongoing threat of missed time from Overshown, Barham's standout work in camp is arguably the most important development on defense. It's giving Dallas an option that, at least before now, seemed like more of a dreamer's wish than a legitimate possibility.
Counting on a third-round guy making a position switch to play a meaningful role would be a real gamble, but Barham may be an asset faster than most anticipated.
No, Jaishawn Barham probably won't be the Cowboys' defensive MVP by the end of the season. He probably won't even challenge Caleb Downs for Rookie of the Year. But right now, as one of the most stunning standouts of camp, Barham's hot start is arguably the biggest story in Oxnard for Dallas' defense.
Add us as a preferred source on Google