Cowboys Trade Up, Grab Michigan's Barham

On April 25, Dallas Cowboys made some smart moves in the 2026 NFL draft,

wrapping up Day 1 strong by trading up from Pick 12 to 11 for a high-o-state safety

Caleb Downs, who surprisingly fell in the board. They followed that by trading down from 20,

landing UCF Edge R Usher Malachi Lawrence, plus two extra fourth round picks from the Eagles.

Day 2 kept the momentum going with a deal from the 49ers to grab linebacker D-Winters,

then at Pick 92 overall, they selected. Michigan's Jay-Shan Barham, a versatile linebacker slash

edge guy, ready to contribute right away. Barham's a 22-year-old standout, who started as a

freshman all-american at Michigan, leading all freshman nationwide and tackles that year.

From St. Francis Academy in Baltimore, he was the 10th best linebacker recruit coming out of

high school and held down a starting spot for four. Seasons with the Wolverines. Scouts

love his explosive first step, violent hands and quick play diagnosis, especially when shifted

outside last season, where he notched 10. Tackles for loss, four sacks, and 21 pressures in 12 games.

He needs to add some bulk against the run and polish his inside coverage, but his full-ball IQ

is elite, earning him academic all big 10 honors. This pick marks the first Michigan player taken

in the third round since Jordan Lewis, also at 92, and Barham's got rookie impact written all.

Over him for Dallas's defense.