Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
If the New Orleans Saints aren’t able to land an edge rusher at the top of this year’s NFL Draft, they have little to no need to fret. The class is deep and offers any mid to late-round options that could bring an early impact during their rookie contracts.
One of those mid-round options that’s worth getting to know is Michigan pass edge rusher Jaishawn Barham.
Often under the radar throughout the process, especially with fellow pass rusher Derrick Moore in the same defense, Barham is another twitchy, athletic rusher whose measurement metrics aren’t far off from some of the top pass rushers in this year’s class.
Michigan EDGE Jaishawn Barham
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 240 pounds
Arm length: 32 ⅝ inches
Hand size: 10 ¼ inches
Combine Testing
40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
Vertical: 33 inches
Broad jump: 10-foot-3
RAS: 8.81
Walked away so impressed with Michigan LB Jaishawn Barham after watching his tape. Listed as a LB on my board, Barham should be a valuable hybrid defender. Regardless of where he plays, there’s no denying how he plays: violently.
Scouting Report:https://t.co/3RHe1Y7z3M pic.twitter.com/U5Tm3qcc7M
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 24, 2026
Barham profiles like many of the more athletic pass rushers in this year’s class. He’s fast, plays with quickness and agility and carries a slight frame that’s far from fragile. What sets him apart are his coverage ability and experience as well as his violent play style.
Both make him a great match for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and the Saints’ defense. The Maryland transfer has a ton of upside as a versatile chess piece on defense that might partner well at the second level with linebacker Kaden Elliss, but also in rotation on the edge with defensive end Carl Granderson.
Barham may still be a raw athlete, but in his first season as a majority pass rusher, he showed some promising production on just 162 pass rushing snaps. He clocked in an elite 26.2% pressure rate.
2025 Stats
Total tackles: 32
Tackles for a loss: 10
Sacks: 4
PFF Pressures: 21
Passes defended: 3
Fumbles forced: 1
Jaishawn Barham Cut Ups https://t.co/jqvxSDDDym pic.twitter.com/UCKPk4oOVa
— jeremiah🐦⬛ (@NewEraMiah) March 16, 2026
Pros
- Twitchy athlete with impressive play speed.
- Off-ball linebacker experience, increasing scheme fit.
- Plays with a high motor.
- Aggressive play style keeps him in plays smaller ends are usually run out of.
- Excels at getting off of blocks.
- Very promising bend around the edge.
- Big hitter that keeps ball-carriers falling backwards.
Opportunities for Growth
- Aggressive play style can result in penalties and overplaying angles/opportunities.
- Mean streak can be misinterpreted.
- 17.1% missed tackle rate in 2025.
- Tweener status will murky the waters of his evaluation for some clubs.
The Bottom Line
Barham is uniquely fit for Staley’s defensive system. He has over 780 snaps of coverage experience and is still developing as a pass rusher with a lot of promise. His hybrid skill set opposite pass rush specialist Chase Young would be a logically effective duo.
Barham is expected to be on the board as late as the third or fourth rounds. In either area, should the Saints have not yet added an athletic pass rusher, Barham would be an interesting investment that could pan out sooner than later in the New Orleans defense.
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