FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys continued to lean heavily into defense during Day 2 of the NFL Draft, using the No. 92 overall pick in the third round to select Jaishawn Barham while also acquiring Dee Winters in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers.
Barham, an outside linebacker from Michigan Wolverines football, arrives in Dallas with a reputation for speed, physicality, and a relentless motor. Known for his ability to track plays sideline to sideline, Barham adds another versatile piece to a defense that is clearly being retooled with athleticism and depth in mind.
The move comes shortly after the Cowboys struck a deal with San Francisco to bring in Winters, a young linebacker who adds immediate experience and competition to the position group. Winters has shown flashes of range and instinct, and his arrival gives Dallas another option in the middle of the defense as they continue to reshape the unit.
Through the first three rounds, the Cowboys’ strategy has been clear: build a faster, more aggressive defense capable of creating disruption at every level. With Barham’s upside and Winters’ added depth, Dallas is stacking pieces that could contribute right away.
As the draft continues, the Cowboys appear far from done—but one thing is certain: the focus on defense is no accident.
