The 2026 NFL Draft class is shaping up to be a goldmine for teams hunting elite pass rushers, with a real possibility of five or more edge defenders hearing their names called on the first night. Among the exciting talents vying for a spot in the late first round is Texas A&M's dynamic defensive end, Cashius Howell. While his impressive sack totals scream first-round talent, let's dive deeper into the scouting report to see what makes him tick and where he might fit at the next level.
Howell's journey to draft prominence is a testament to development and seizing opportunity. A former three-star recruit from Kansas City, he began his collegiate career at Bowling Green, redshirting his first year before a quiet sophomore season. Then, in 2023, he exploded onto the national scene with a 9.5-sack campaign, ranking sixth among all linebackers. Capitalizing on that momentum, he transferred to Texas A&M under coach Mike Elko. Despite joining a room with established talents, Howell didn't just earn playing time—he dominated, racking up 11.5 sacks and unanimous All-American honors in 2025, proving he can thrive against top-tier SEC competition.
Put on the tape, and Howell's athleticism jumps off the screen. His explosive first step is among the best in this class, firing him out of his stance like a cannon. He combines that burst with excellent lower-body flexibility, allowing him to bend the edge and flatten to the quarterback with ease. His arsenal includes a devastating spin move to counter inside, and he possesses the relentless sideline-to-sideline speed to chase down plays from the backside. He's also active in passing lanes, showcasing good awareness to get his hands up. When he wins early with his initial step, he plays with impressive control, dictating the terms of the engagement.
However, as with many prospects, there are areas for growth. The primary concern, much like it was for Miami's Rueben Bain Jr., revolves around arm length. Measuring at 30 1/4 inches at the combine, some scouts wonder if he has the reach to consistently disengage from massive NFL tackles. His leaner frame at 250 pounds could also present challenges in setting a firm edge against the run; he has a tendency to go parallel to the line, allowing blockers to seal him off. Furthermore, with Texas A&M's scheme not heavily utilizing him on stunts, he'll need to develop more patience and technique in those coordinated pass-rush situations at the pro level.
Ultimately, Cashius Howell is far more than a measurement on a combine report. He is a ferocious, athletic pass rusher whose production and tape against premier competition speak volumes. For a team seeking a high-motor edge defender with game-wrecking potential, especially one that values explosive get-off and bend, Howell presents a fascinating and potentially high-reward option come draft day.