Jaishawn Barham gives Chiefs a logical replacement for Leo Chenal in draft

This Kansas City Chiefs offseason has been full of change, and several larger narratives have dominated the conversation: replacing names like Trent McDuffie and Bryan Cook, fixing the run game, and improving the pass rush. But there's one element of the 2025 team nobody is really talking about, and that’s replacing the role of linebacker Leo Chenal.

Despite having poor run-stuffing defensive tackles, the Chiefs' defense has remained above average at stopping the run. Part of that is due to having a weapon like Chenal, who can occupy a gap against an offensive lineman and legitimately hold up at the point of attack. Chenal was a Swiss Army knife for the very complex Steve Spagnuolo defense.

The Chiefs’ linebacker corps is in flux after losing Chenal and what appears to be Drue Tranquill’s final season in Kansas City. Add in the unknown role in 2026 for Jeffrey Bassa, and the Chiefs might have a bigger need at linebacker than we are acknowledging. That's where Jaishawn Barham comes into view for the 2026 NFL Draft.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Scouting Report: Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan

1. Jaishawn Barham's background
2. Jaishawn Barham's strengths
3. Jaishawn Barham's weaknesses
4. Is Jaishawn Barham an edge or linebacker?

Jaishawn Barham's background

Age: 22 (on draft day)

Height: 6-3

Weight: 240 LBS.

Hand: 10 1/4 inches

Arms: 32 3/8 inches

Tape Exposure: Washington (2025), USC (2025), Nebraska (2025)

Barham grew up in District Heights, Maryland. He attended high school at Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore and was teammates with Michigan edge Derrick Moore. He was rated as a 4-star prospect via 247Sports and was the No. 3 overall recruit in the state of Maryland. He committed to Maryland out of high school, where he spent the first two years of his college career. After the 2023 season, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Michigan. He completed his final two years of eligibility there. Barham finished his college career with 193 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and one interception.

Jaishawn Barham's strengths

Versatility

Barham spent his first three seasons as a true off-ball linebacker who was used in some pass-rush situations. His senior year, he was moved to edge full-time and had success there as well. He can do both well and has an athletic skill set that is above average at both positions.

Strength and Power

He packs a punch at the tackle point and is excellent at stacking and shedding blocks. His ability to dip and rip makes him a threat off the edge and as a blitzer as well.

Athleticsm

He tested in the 94th percentile as a linebacker prospect and in the 87th percentile among edge prospects in Relative Athletic Score. This gives him the range to spot drop in zones or flow to the flats off the edge. It also makes him an effective run defender who can shoot gaps and crash downhill.

Jaishawn Barham's weaknesses

Football IQ

At times, Barham's rangy athleticism can get him out of position, as he will over-pursue. Right now, he is better as a “see ball, get ball” linebacker rather than a read-and-react backer. He also had some overly aggressive 15-yard penalties related to late or aggressive hits.

Pass Rush Productivity

Barham recorded four sacks in a season where he was focused on being a primary pass rusher. Examples of him lining up against higher-level tackle competition and winning as a pure edge are harder to find. He lacks a pass-rush plan beyond his first step and dip-and-rip move.

Missed Tackles

Barham's career 11.1% missed tackle rate speaks to his aggression and athleticism, getting him out of position at times.

Is Jaishawn Barham an edge or linebacker?

This is a question that is becoming more common in the draft with prospects like Jalon Walker, Arvell Reese, and others. It’s also worth noting that some of Chenal’s appeal in free agency comes from teams that run a 3-4 scheme and view him as an outside linebacker who can rush the passer more consistently. Barham is a player you take with a plan, but he could provide some of that versatility that the Chiefs had with Chenal. He’s not as dominant of an athlete, but he still has tools that could help him succeed in a defined role.

Barham primarily played off-ball linebacker but flashed the explosiveness and versatility to develop into a pass-rushing option in multiple fronts. He wins with athleticism, motor, and block-shedding ability, showing strong range and agility, though his technique and edge discipline still need refinement. His tools and intensity give him the upside to become an impactful starter.

Round Grade: Red Chip (round 3 grade)

Shades of: Jamie Collins