Why The Atlanta Falcons Should Draft this Underrated LB Prospect

Only five NFL linebackers have compiled more tackles than former Atlanta Falcons run-stopping machine Kaden Elliss since 2023. Despite his consistency, the Falcons chose to let him walk away in free agency, and he signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.

With Atlanta losing its defensive centerpiece, and also potentially some key players off the edge in James Pearce Jr. and Leonard Floyd, they've been left with holes to fill that haven’t quite been fully addressed in free agency. As they likely look to stock up on multiple promising defensive prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft, Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham stands out as a low-cost, high-value option for Atlanta to target.

Last season, he had the most career sacks (12) among all active Big Ten players and has taken over 500 snaps at both middle linebacker and edge rusher throughout his collegiate career.

While the former Freshman All-American primarily lined up on the edge last season, he's proven he can make an impact in several spots across the front seven and has the physical tools and experience to make an immediate impact.

Jaishawn Barham Is A Versatile, Tone-Setting Playmaker

After two effective seasons at Maryland, Barham earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors at Michigan in 2025. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Barham became the focal point of Maryland's defense the moment he arrived as an 18-year-old, and has developed into a well-rounded, reliable playmaker over the past four years.

As a true freshman, he earned Freshman All-American and All-Big Ten honorable mention honors while totaling 58 tackles and leading the team with 6.5 tackles for loss. He took on more of a pass-rushing role the following year, again earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors while finishing with 37 tackles, three sacks and 21 quarterback pressures.

As a run defender, he violently crashes and sheds blockers while taking the most efficient path to the ball, and he's also shown comfort in coverage, roaming the middle of the field in zone coverage. The District Heights, MD native pairs his natural nose for the football with impressive size and athleticism, measuring in at 6-foot-3 1/2 and 240 pounds with 34-inch arms while running a 4.64 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

A no-nonsense, throwback-style player who didn’t conduct a single interview during his time at Michigan, Barham is the type of blue-collar defender that defensive coordinators dream of coaching.

“I’m serious,” Barham told reporters. “This is a job. I feel like this is nothing to play around with.”

Since transferring to Michigan in 2024, Barham has split time between middle linebacker and edge rusher, starting 11 games in the middle and nine coming off the edge. Last season, he earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention while totaling 32 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble.

After watching his tape, ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak compared the former Wolverine to a recent Falcons draftee who found early success.

"Watched Barham last week and couldn’t believe the lack of hype," Solak said. "If you liked Jalon Walker last year, you should be all over Barham.. He plays with violence."

The Elliss departure leaves Divine Deablo as Atlanta’s most productive and experienced linebacker. Drafting Barham would give Atlanta two athletic, prototypically-sized linebackers with similar skill sets and experience playing both off the ball and rushing the passer.