The New Orleans Saints pass rush enjoyed a resurgence in 2025, fueled by a career year from Chase Young (10 sacks) and an ageless performance from Cameron Jordan (10.5 sacks). However, with Jordan turning 37 and currently a free agent, the future on the edge is a pressing question. While Carl Granderson provides solid rotational value, the Saints are widely expected to target a long-term solution early in the 2026 NFL Draft. One intriguing name to watch, potentially on the draft's second day, is Texas A&M Aggies standout Cashius Howell.

Howell's journey to draft prospect status is a story of relentless development. Beginning his college career at Bowling Green, he honed his skills in the MAC, leading the conference with 9.5 sacks in 2023. His breakout performance earned him a transfer to the powerhouse SEC, where he truly flourished. At Texas A&M, Howell transformed into a defensive force, capping his 2025 season with 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and the prestigious SEC Defensive Player of the Year award.

As a prospect, Howell's calling card is elite speed and bend off the edge, making him a natural pass-rush specialist. His explosive first step and ability to corner tightly around tackles will immediately translate to third-down sub-packages in the NFL. The primary knock on his game is consistency against the run, where he can be neutralized by more powerful offensive linemen. Adding functional strength will be key to his development into an every-down player.

For the Saints, Howell represents a high-upside investment. He may not be a Week 1 starter, but his specialized skill set could provide an instant spark as a situational pass rusher, learning behind veterans while he refines the power elements of his game. In a league where pressuring the quarterback is paramount, a player with Howell's proven production and athletic upside could be a perfect fit for a Saints defense looking to build its next generation of stars.