The $5.4 billion-worth Detroit Lions have a serious order of business in the 2026 draft. When it comes to addressing a top need, the team might not have to look beyond its home state. 

According to a three-round NFL mock draft created by ESPN, the Lions are predicted to land Michigan EDGE Jaishawn Barham at No. 50. He can prove to be a great solution for the team as a pass rusher and can help out Aidan Hutchinson.

Barham played two seasons at Michigan and was at Maryland before. Over these few years, he has developed into a versatile defender, having transitioned from linebacker to EDGE this season. He was an underrated player heading into the draft, but teams have begun taking notice of him.

Barham was doing great as a linebacker at Michigan. He finished second on the team in 2024 in tackles. But the talent simply had more speed than was needed to be a linebacker, and went past the ball-carriers. That is why he was moved to EDGE. Though Barham still needs development as a pass rusher, he's shown that he's more than capable of playing at the position.

In his debut as an EDGE, Jaishawn Barham got two sacks. Against Central Michigan, he recorded six tackles and two sacks within one-and-a-half plays. Interim head coach Biff Poggi called him a "superhero."

As per an AFC national scout, “His position is just going to depend on the scheme. For what we do, he’s going to play off-ball, but I’m sure there will be teams who put him on board as an edge.” 

Barham's athleticism was also seen at the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.64 at the 40-yard dash. It was among the 10 fastest finishes by EDGE rushers at the Combine, which proves how elite he can be.

Jaishawn Barham can be a great fix for Detroit's defensive line, because there is a clear lack of talent besides Aidan Hutchinson.

How Jaishawn Barham can fit into the Lions roster

The team has addressed the EDGE question in free agency by signing DJ Wonnum and Payton Turner. But there is still some doubt about how they will fill in for Al-Quadin Muhammad, who made a great pairing with Hutchinson. It would be risky to select Barhama and roll him out alongside the veteran right away, since he is still a raw EDGE talent. But he can definitely grow into a formidable one with time.

At the same time, Barham is also experienced as a linebacker, and Detroit needs a linebacker. After Alex Anzalone left in free agency, there are no clear-cut starters set to replace him. The team will definitely be on the lookout for linebackers in the draft. Jaishawn Barham might as well address that need.

He isn't as speedy compared to other linebackers in the draft, since his 40 time will put him just outside the Top-10 among the LBs who competed. But he's still an option that can be explored in this light.

Detroit might be attacking two birds with one stone by getting Jaishawn Barham in the draft.

What do you think of this draft projection? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Afreen Kabir