RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesCowboys 3rd-round rookie LB could make 2026 draft class 'special' originally appeared on The Sporting News .
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear plan to upgrade their defense, and they did just that with their first three selections in the draft.
Caleb Downs out of Ohio State is garnering the most attention, and for good reason. Malachi Lawrence was a first-round pick alongside Downs and has shown some potential. But their third-round linebacker might be the most intriguing of the group.
ESPN's Todd Archer highlighted third-round rookie LB Jaishawn Barham as a player who could "make this draft class special." The reason why is simple: Barham's ceiling is sky-high, and he could become a star in the NFL.
Jaishawn Barham has chance to make Cowboys' draft class 'special'
"Round 3 (No. 92): Jaishawn Barham, LB. He could make this draft class special," Archer writes. "Before suffering a groin injury in camp, Barham was everywhere and earning first-team reps."
If it weren't for an injury to Barham's groin, he might've been locked into the starting defensive lineup and poised to make a massive impact in his rookie season.
Barham is currently slotted behind Dee Winters on the linebacker depth chart, but it would not be a surprise if he overtook the former San Francisco 49ers veteran at some point this season.
MORE : Cowboys projected to have 90% chance of trading Marist Liufau
With how he plays, as Archer called it, a "nasty demeanor and can pursue well," the Cowboys would love to see Barham turn into a legitimate star.
The former Michigan linebacker has that potential, and if he can reach it and stay healthy alongside a healthy DeMarion Overshown, the Cowboys could have one of the best linebacker duos in the entire NFL.
There are some hurdles to clear, namely how Barham needs to stay healthy and win the starting job over Winters.
But if he can reach his potential and the two first-rounders can be successful picks, this could be a "special" draft class when it's all said and done.
More NFL news:
Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has 30% chance of being traded
Dolphins have NFL ’ s worst WR, TE, Edge, CB and S rooms according to ESPN
Why Patriots traded Kayshon Boutte to Texans for Jaylen Reed and a 7th-round draft pick
Deshaun Watson apologizes to Browns fans after criticizing them for booing him
Why Browns are making a massive mistake with Deshaun Watson as QB1 over Shedeur Sanders
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.