Cashius Howell is one of the most relentless edge rushers entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Athletic, versatile and fast, the Texas A&M defensive star will be high on the draft board for teams looking for an upgrade that the position.
In leading the Sec in sacks with 11.5, Howell showed off those attributes on a Texas A&M Aggies team that finished the college football season ranked in the top 10. Much of the Aggies’ success was due to Howell’s defensive presence.
Standing at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, Howell brings to the table an edge rusher who can get to the quarterback with an array of moves, including an effective spin move complemented by his speed and power. While he does have to beef up a bit as far as his lean frame, what defensive coordinators will love about Howell besides his high motor is his versatility in playing multiple schemes. He is a player who has no problem dropping back in coverage.
As a projected Day 1 or Day 2 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, Howell’s prowess off the edge is what could catapult him into a first-round pick. How high depends on team’s needs and how he impresses in pre-draft workouts and at the NFL Combine.
Cashius Howell provides “juice” off the edge
ESPN’s Field Yates has ranked Howell among his top 25 draft prospects. Coming in at No. 18, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year is noted for his speed and ability to keep offensive lineman on their heels.
Yates writes:
“A team looking for instant juice off the edge will find it in Howell, a former Bowling Green star who played his final two seasons at Texas A&M. In 2025, Howell posted 11.5 sacks (tied for fourth most in the FBS) and won SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He has a blazing first step to get offensive tackles on their heels. And he can really torque his body to turn the corner when chasing down pocket passers. Despite this natural rushing ability, some scouts have wrestled with his lack of arm length.”
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Will that juice off the edge and his ability to chase down runners with his speed outweigh concerns over the arm length. It will depend on the team that drafts him and their needs as well as scheme. Given that natural ability to get after the quarterback, Howell will be in the discussion of the top edge rushers in the draft.
As a projected Day 1 pick, here are 3 NFL fits for Cashius Howell in the 2026 NFL Draft.
3 NFL teams in position to land Cashius Howell
New England Patriots
The Patriots are a team that will be selecting late in the first round. With edge rusher as one of their top needs, Howell would be a quality pick late in the first round. Not only do they need a consistent pass rusher, but they also need depth at the position. With Harold Landry battling injuries this season, the Patriots mostly depended on K’Lavon Chaisson off the edge. With the tandem of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore collapsing the pocket up the middle, a player like Howell could make an impact Day 1 bringing the heat off the edge.
Other first round options for the Patriots: T.J. Parker (ED), R Mason Thomas (EDGE), Romello Height (EDGE)
Detroit Lions
The Lions will be looking for a player off the edge to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Howell could be an interesting choice, especially if the team looses defensive ends like Al-Quadin Muhammad and Marcus Davenport in free agency. With Howell opposite Hutchinson, the Lions will get that consistent pass rush they have been seeking. There could be a higher valued prospect No. 17 where the Lions will be selecting, but Howell should get a deep look due to that “juice” off the edge.
Other first round options for the Lions: Kayden McDonald (DL), T.J. Parker (EDGE), Christen Miller (DL)
Dallas Cowboys
Howell is a player the Cowboys could target with the second of their first-round picks. Depending on who they select with their higher pick, Howell is a player who could address their needs off the edge as a outside linebacker. The Cowboys have several players entering free agency, including Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr., and Sam Williams. So, the need could be greater come draft time. Don’t be surprised if they double dip at the position. Howell is a good candidate to be among those choices because of that combination of speed and power he brings to the table.
Other first round options for the Cowboys: R Mason Thomas (ED), Avieon Terrell (CB), T.J. Parker (EDGE)