If Dallas Cowboys fans were concerned about the defense before Thursday night, many of those worries quickly dissolved after a strong draft showing. Longtime draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. even gave Dallas an A grade in his post-draft analysis.
Most of the buzz centered on Caleb Downs, the versatile secondary star listed as a safety but can play all three safety positions. The most underrated pick of the weekend, however, might be Michigan's Jaishawn Barham, another interchangeable weapon. He can rush the passer, stop the run, and cover.
The praise is already rolling in, with former Pro Bowl wideout T. J. Houshmandzadeh calling the Cowboys’ third-round pick a “total steal” on the Speakeasy podcast.
"How was he drafted in the third round? He plays so violently, so aggressively...He just plays like every snap is his last snap. I love that pick. If Jaishawn can stay healthy, he's going to be one of the best backers in the game. He plays like he just loves football."
The Dallas Cowboys continue to be praised for drafting Jaishawn Barham in Round 3
In a perfect world, defensive coordinator Christian Parker uses Barham as an off-ball backer and unleashes him off the edge on third down. At 6-foot-4 and 252 pounds with a 40-yard dash listed at 4.52 seconds, he possesses the size and athleticism to start right away.
A former star for the Bengals, Houshmanzadeh wasn't as excited about Dallas' second first-round pick -- Central Florida edge rusher Malachi Lawrence -- in comparison to Barham. However, Lawrence brings rare athleticism off the edge, and he can already win in a variety of ways.
Training camp will tell us more, but Houshmandzadeh is already sold on Barham becoming a star. Experts are torn whether he'll reach his ceiling as an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker, but his versatility will allow Parker to flex his creative muscles even more.
If you're looking for a comparison, think Giants' No. 5 overall pick Arvell Reese, an off-ball tweener who many think can develop into a terror off the edge.
In terms of NFL players, Eagles 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell played 150 snaps as an edge and 514 snaps in the box as a traditional off-ball linebacker as a rookie in Vic Fangio's defense, per Pro Football Focus.
Having coached under Fangio in Denver and Philadelphia, Parker's scheme will carry that influence. Parker has a plan for Barham, and Cowboys fans will be counting down the days until training camp to see how it takes shape.
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