It’s hard to make an argument that the Dallas Cowboys didn’t immediately get better over the 3 days of the 2026 NFL draft. Most notably on defense, where they may have added one of the draft’s great value picks in edge rusher Jaishawn Barham in the 3rd round (No. 92 overall).
ESPN’s Field Yates singled out Barham, 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, as the biggest “steal” of the 3rd round.
“The weekend went very well for the Cowboys, including this selection of Barham,” Yates wrote on Tuesday. “The former Maryland standout began his college career as a stand-up linebacker before moving to a hybrid role during his final season at Michigan. Barham has aggressive hands and is explosive when rushing the passer. Still, he needs to develop a better rush plan at the NFL level.”
What that means is that Barham turned himself into not just an All-Big Ten player but a 3rd round pick at edge rusher with just 1 season at the position — meaning there’s a pretty incredible upside if the Cowboys can coach him up correctly.
Cowboys Drafted Multiple Edge Rushers in 2026
The Cowboys drafted another edge rusher in the 1st round with UCF’s Malachi Lawrence at No. 23 overall.
They also used a defensive pick at No. 11 overall with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who may have been the best pound-for-pound player in the draft.
“Barham logged most of his snaps at off-ball linebacker, but his 2025 tape showed explosiveness that will attract teams seeking a developmental rush ‘backer in an odd front,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. “He’s raw as a rusher, relying heavily on athleticism, but the missing elements are teachable. Whether outside or inside, he’s a professional block-beater with the tools to stack or slip blocks, though his edge-setting needs work. His bend and reactive agility create unlikely tackle chances that few can find. His intensity and motor are top-tier but he needs to play with better discipline to avoid negative snaps. With explosive traits and inside-outside versatility, he projects as an impactful future starter once his technique catches up.”
Cowboys Looking to Reboot Edge Rusher Position
The Cowboys have had zero identity at edge rusher since trading NFL All-Pro Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just weeks before the 2025 season.
Lawrence, 6-foot-5 and 253 pounds, ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine but wasn’t a 1st round pick in most mock drafts.
From Bleacher Report: “Malachi Lawrence is a late riser in the 2026 NFL draft class, catching people’s attention with a strong performance in both the East-West Shrine Bowl and NFL combine. Even better, he has the tape to match with the potential to become a high-quality pass-rusher in the league.”
The Cowboys added another edge rusher in the 4th round with Alabama’s LT Overton. At 6-foot-4 and 274 pounds, there are already rumors that Overton could switch positions in the NFL to defensive tackle. There, he might have the opportunity to be the primary backup to Pro Bowl starters Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark.
