Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks could be in a prime position to land a game-changing defensive talent. In a recent CBS Sports mock draft by Jordan Dajani, the Seahawks use the final pick of the first round, No. 32 overall, to select Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell.

This projection addresses a clear need for Seattle, who saw productive edge rusher Boye Mafe depart for Cincinnati in free agency. Adding a dynamic pass rusher is often a top priority for teams looking to build a championship-caliber defense, and Howell's college production suggests he could be an immediate impact player.

The stats back up the hype. Howell is coming off a dominant 2025 season where he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, racking up 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. His sack total was the highest for an Aggie since Myles Garrett in 2015, drawing a compelling comparison to one of the NFL's premier defensive stars.

While some scouts may note his shorter arm length, analysts like Dajani highlight his relentless aggression and versatility as major strengths. Howell isn't just a sack artist; he also deflected six passes and forced a fumble last season, proving to be a consistent disruptor in both the pass and run game.

For the Seahawks, the dream scenario is that a talent of Howell's caliber is still available at pick 32. Mock drafts have him pegged as a mid-to-late first-rounder, meaning Seattle might need a bit of luck on draft night. If he's there, selecting Howell would be a powerful move to reload their defensive front and keep the pressure on opposing quarterbacks for years to come.