Linebacker Jaishawn Barham may see more time at edge in 2025, but on the In The Trenches podcast, Michigan DC Wink Martindale emphasized increased versatility more than a positional change:
There has been a lot of speculation this offseason that Jaishawn Barham is switching from linebacker to edge. Speaking to Jon Jansen on In the Trenches , Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale addressed this narrative.
“I think we did it last year with (Barham) as well,” Martindale said. “I think what we need to do for him is practice him more on the edge than we did last year, but still use him in the same ways that we have. And it all depends on how some of these young linebackers come along, too.”
Not to continue being Martindale’s biggest supporter or anything, but this is exactly what fans should want to hear. The notion behind moving Barham around is rooted in maximizing his versatility and impact. Most famously, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons was unleashed in an expanded, more malleable role that allowed him to play snaps at both edge and inside linebacker.
In the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft , Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Georgia’s Jalon Walker and Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell are all projected as first-round picks after following in Parsons’ footsteps. Barham aspires to be next, but as Wink shrewdly noted, this move cannot come at the expense of the linebackers’ room.
As it stands, Michigan has the best starting linebacker duo in the Big Ten with Barham and Ernest Hausmann. Behind these two is a group of players who will play the biggest role in allowing Barham to move around more. If Jimmy Rolder, Jaydon Hood, Cole Sullivan or Georgia transfer Troy Bowles can play at a starter’s level, Barham will have more positional freedom.
Fortunately for the Michigan Wolverines , the defense doesn’t need Barham to play edge, with Derrick Moore and T.J. Guy poised for big seasons based on their performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl. However, Barham’s insertion into the lineup would go a long way in assuring the depth and dynamic ceiling of the position group.
Furthermore, a more polished edge-rushing Barham would feed Martindale’s mad scientist brain and allow him to form pass rush specialty packages with Guy, Moore, Barham, defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny and more.
Last season, Barham recorded 66 tackles (second on the team), four tackles for loss, and one sack. The more snaps he earns along the edge, the more likely those numbers are to increase in 2025.