One pick, one need filled. Analysts give the Cowboys a solid grade for adding Michigan's versatile edge rusher, Jaishawn Barham.
The Dallas Cowboys kept things simple on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft—and that approach earned them a complimentary review from national analysts.
In Chad Reuter’s snap grades for Rounds 2 and 3 on NFL.com, Dallas came away with a "B" grade after making just one selection across the two rounds: Michigan standout Jaishawn Barham.
It was a quieter night compared to some of the league’s more aggressive teams, but the Cowboys focused on addressing a clear defensive need.
Barham brings size, range, and physicality to the linebacker position—traits Dallas lacked at times during the 2025 season. At the University of Michigan, he developed a reputation as a downhill defender who can attack the line of scrimmage while still holding his own in coverage. That versatility likely played a major role in the Cowboys’ decision to stay patient and take him in the second round.
In fact, "versatility'' is a key here. He's listed as an EDGE but has background as a linebacker ... and that latter spot is where Dallas plans to try him first.
He racked up 32 total tackles, four sacks, and 10 tackles for loss. Barham was also able to show his nose for the ball with three passes defended and a forced fumble. And in his sophomore season at Maryland, he even snagged himself an interception.
Dallas had the ninth fewest sacks in the league in 2025. So maybe Barham's ability to get into the backfield, he will be looking to help them remedy that. ... even though, again, the gaping hole at linebacker needs to be plugged.
(The trade for Dee Winters of the 49ers might help there, too.)
Some may look at the Cowboys' lone pick on Day 2 of the draft and ask where all of their picks went. To answer that question, they gave them up in a handful of trades, including the deals that got them star wide receiver George Pickens and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
And with how impactful those two guys are, it's hard to say that America's Team made the wrong decision giving up some of their Day 2 picks.