The Dallas Cowboys are hoping that the 2026 NFL season can be a transformative year for them. After missing the playoffs in each of the last two years, they’ve tried to rectify almost every deficit on the roster.
The key focus this offseason was the defensive side of the ball, as they spent a ton of resources, both in free agency and via the draft. However, rather than any of their high-profile names, a former scout is intrigued about a surprising player on the roster.
Dallas Cowboys Need Everyone to Come Together
Last season, despite having an electric offense, the Cowboys could get nowhere. Despite Dak Prescott ranking at number 6 on PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metrics, two wide receivers clearing 1,000 receiving yards, as well as a 1,200-yard rusher, the team won just seven games.
The problem for them boiled down to one specific thing. The defense, after parting ways with Micah Parsons, was atrocious. Ranking dead last on PFN’s Defense Impact Metrics, the team couldn’t get stops on anyone.
This season, they’re hoping things can change in a hurry. For Louis Riddick, who spent more than a decade as a scout, it is certainly a possibility. But he believes their success is going to boil down to rookie Jaishawn Barham.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
“We’ve talked about Caleb Downs all the time. When we’re talking about who’s going to be the focal point of this revamped defense, remember the name, Jaishawn Barham, their draft pick from Michigan,” Riddick revealed on the latest episode of “Get Up” on ESPN.
“Remember the name.”@LRiddickESPN has THIS to say about who to watch for on the Dallas Cowboys this season 🤠 pic.twitter.com/jHZlEVE5C9
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 26, 2026
“He, to me, outside of Caleb, maybe even more so than Caleb, maybe the most consequential draft pick they’ve made this year. This guy could be the best linebacker they’ve had there since Sean Lee.”
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
Given his experience in the scouting ranks, Riddick’s word certainly carries a ton of weight. And the upside with Barham isn’t hard to miss. Taken in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, he played as an edge rusher for the Wolverines in his final year.
As a result, the versatility is off the charts with the rookie. While a player cannot single-handedly make or break the defense, the contributions from Barham are going to be extremely important for the new system under defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Ultimately, firing on all cylinders is what can help the Cowboys improve from the bottom of the league, at least defensively.
Combine that with an unstoppable offense and you have the makings of a legitimate contender in the NFC.
