Wednesday, January 7, 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect DE Cashius Howell

Cashius Howell:

Scouting Reports:









Articles:

5 first-round talents still available entering Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft (4. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M Aggies - 6’2″, 253 lbs | 2025 stats: 31 tackles, 14 TFL, 11.5 sacks, 41 pressures.  Cashius Howell led the SEC in sacks in 2025. He was a unanimous All-American. He posted a 19.9 percent pass rush win rate in each of his final two college seasons against top competition. Then he walked into the combine measurement room, and his arms came in at 30 1/4 inches, the shortest recorded for a pure edge rusher since 1999, and the first round conversation was effectively over.  His response when asked about the criticism? “I ball out.” He is not wrong. The production across five college seasons at two programs has been remarkably consistent. He won at Bowling Green, won playing behind two eventual first-rounders at Texas A&M, and then won as the featured pass rusher in the SEC. That is not a fluke resume. The arm length concern is legitimate and worth monitoring at the next level, particularly against longer tackles who can get into his chest and neutralize his burst. But for a team picking early in Day 2, the gap between what Howell has proven on tape and where he is now available represents one of the more compelling value opportunities in this entire class.) (4-23-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/5-first-round-talents-still-available-heading-into-day-2-of-the-2026-nfl-draft/

2026 NFL Draft: QB Carson Beck Headlines 'Plant the Flag' Prospects (Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M:  The speed-rushing specialist flashes a dizzying array of pass-rush moves that will give opposing offensive tackles nightmares prior to their matchups. Howell’s combination of speed, quickness and burst, combined with balance and body control around the corner, will give most offensive tackles problems in long yardage situations. With the 6-foot-2, 253-pounder also displaying a high-revving motor and relentless approach, it is hard to imagine the Texas A&M and Bowling Green standout failing to make an impact as a designated pass rusher. Although his short arms (30¼ inches) and one-dimensional game (pass-rushing specialist) could limit his chances of emerging as a full-time starter early in his career, Howell’s skills and consistent production (27 career sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss over four seasons) typically lead to long-term success as a pro. ) (4-23-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-qb-carson-beck-leads-plant-flag-prospects

Red flags everywhere: Which 2026 NFL Draft prospects could fall?
Carter Bahns (Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M:  If Bain's arm length is an issue, then Cashius Howell is in an even more precarious position given that he measured out even shorter at 30 1/4 inches. He is more widely projected to be selected in the back end of the first round to begin with, so the risk of falling out of the top 32 is far greater than that of his Miami counterpart.  Howell developed into a standout after a year of development at both Bowling Green and Texas A&M, so while his measurables did not hold him back from elite production, he does have a history of needing time to get up to speed at various levels. That could be a deterrent for NFL teams that need starting-level contributions right away.  This week, Howell explained what he tells teams when they raise concerns about his size.) (4-22-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-red-flag-tracker-prospects-most-likely-to-fall/

Which 2026 NFL Draft prospects could slide to later picks? (OLB Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  That Howell ended up in the first-round conversation is a testament to the Bowling Green transfer's exponential growth as a player. Yet even after he showed off his explosiveness off the edge against the country's best through a Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year campaign and College Football Playoff berth, the atypically built pass rusher might end up taking a backseat to several of his less productive peers.  With 30 1/4-inch arms, Howell is a complete outlier as an NFL edge rusher, let alone an early draft pick. That shortcoming might only hold him back so much on its own, but it's intertwined with issues in setting the edge and inconsistent hand usage. The result is a boom-or-bust approach to creating disruption.  Compounding the problem for Howell is that he's stuck in a muddled second tier of pass rushers that will fill out the late Day 1 to early Day 2 range. Several of the prospects in that group, such as UCF's Malachi Lawrence and Missouri's Zion Young, size up as better fits for the franchises that gravitate toward rangier threats off the edge.) (4-15-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/04/18/nfl-draft-2026-fall-slide-prospects-akheem-mesidor/89661813007/

Top 11 options for the Detroit Lions in Round 2 of our mock (EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Howell would represent a deviation from what the Lions are typically looking for in an edge defender, given his size limitation (6-foot-2, 253), but he would bring some much-needed pass-rushing juice to Detroit. He had 9.5 sacks in his last season at Bowling Green and 11.0 sacks in 2025 with the Aggies. He’s somewhat familiar with dropping into coverage, so he could even fill part of the role necessary with a SAM linebacker, but that would require a lot of development.) (4-16-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/161892/nfl-mock-draft-top-11-options-for-detroit-lions-at-pick-50

2026 NFL Draft top defensive linemen (5. EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  The SEC Defensive Player of the Year got his start at Bowling Green before transferring up to Texas A&M. Simply put, he was a beast for the Aggies, flying all over the field and disrupting every offense he went against. The combine did him no favors, however, as he has historically short arms and wingspan for the position, and that may scare some teams away from him.) (4-16-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/2026-nfl-draft-top-defensive-linemen/

This Round 1 is built for chaos: 10 bold predictions that could hit (4. Three under-the-radar edge rushers - R Mason Thomas - 2024-25: Combined for 22.0 TFL, 15.5 sacks.  This isn't me pushing an R Mason Thomas agenda -- I swear! Once edge rusher Keldric Faulk comes off the board, the class is up for grabs. The second tier of players all have their own questions (Akheem Mesidor's age and injury concerns, Cashius Howell's historically short arms), so we could see a wave of lesser-known prospects sneak into Round 1 and shake up the EDGE board.) (4-15-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-bold-predictions-round-1/

Albert Breer’s Mailbag: What Trade Compensation for A.J. Brown Would Look Like (Then, you have a group of guys that includes Missouri’s Zion Young, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas and Clemson’s T.J. Parker.  In that last group, I think it comes down to what exactly you’re looking for. Howell and Thomas are smaller rushers that bring a lot of juice off the edge, but there’s some concern on how they’ll project in your base defense and hold up against the run. Then, you have Faulk and Young, who are bigger, longer, sturdier base ends, who don’t have that same sort of pass-rush value, needing more development in that area. Parker’s closer to a combination of the two, but had a disappointing season in 2025 after a big ’24.) (4-15-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/aj-brown-trade-compensation-albert-breer-mailbag

Ranking the 10 best edge rushers in 2026 NFL Draft (6. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-3, 253 pounds):  Howell is a high-energy, smooth athlete who is still growing into his frame. He can flash as an explosive situational pass rusher while getting his foundation down to see more work on running downs.  Draft projection: Mid-to-late first round) (4-15-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2026-prospects-edge-rusher-rankings/a12cde571d83ab9dcca568ee

College football fan guide to the 2026 NFL draft (Where the biggest college football stars will go? Draft analyst Matt Miller looked at ESPN's CFB Player Rank from the end of the 2025 season, picked out the players from the top 10 who are in this draft class and tried to figure out when each prospect will come off the board. We're skipping Fernando Mendoza, though; we know he's going No. 1. Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M: Buffalo Bills at No. 26.  The Bills lost AJ Epenesa and Joey Bosa in free agency and Bradley Chubb, 30, has questions surrounding his health. Buffalo needs another rusher, and Howell was consistently productive off the edge at Texas A&M and is a viable speed rusher who produced 11 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last season. A stand-up rusher in college, Howell's first-step quickness would be welcomed in Buffalo, where the two existing starters off the edge are larger, longer and more powerful rushers.) (4-15-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48475095/nfl-draft-2026-college-football-fan-guide-teams-picks-trends-more

Prisco's Better-Than Team for 2026 NFL Draft: The 20 prospects he's higher on than scouts (Cashius Howell - 2025: Unanimous All-American (11th in Texas A&M history); SEC Defensive Player of the Year.  Most of the talk is Cashius Howell will be a second-round pick. He should be a first-rounder in my book, which is why he's on this team. I love his game. He is a nasty player who never lets up. At 6-foot-2 ½, 245 pounds, he is a strong player who has the twitch and power teams love off the edge. When I watched his tape, the thing that stood out to me was his power. He does have short arms, which concern some teams, but they shouldn't back off of him because of that. I think he will be a really good edge player in the league for a long time. To start, he will be a rotational rusher, but as his career moves along I think he will be so much more.) (4-14-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/prisco-better-than-team-2026-nfl-draft-prospects-most-underrated/

Boom or bust: Who are 2026 NFL Draft's high-risk, high-reward prospects? (OLB Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  When in pursuit of a quarterback, Howell has a way of keeping others' hands off of him. The Bowling Green transfer racked up 11 1/2 sacks and became the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by rocketing past blockers off the snap and flattening his rush. Yet he doesn't merely rely on straight-line speed, as he can rapidly redirect and knife back inside when needed.  When a lineman does make contact with Howell, however, he has limited recourse. The 6-3, 253-pound edge rusher can be washed out of run plays, and his 30 1/4-inch arms - well below the universal threshold at the position - make disengaging tricky. He should provide his fair share of splash plays, but Howell might find an every-down role hard to come by until he becomes a stouter and more reliable presence.) (4-14-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/04/14/nfl-draft-2026-boom-bust/89592366007/

Kansas City product Cashius Howell emerging as a top edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft (4-12-26):  https://www.kmbc.com/article/cashius-howell-nfl-draft-kansas-city-rockhurst-texas-am/70997060

Overrated, underrated, overdrafted, underdrafted: Sorting 2026 NFL Draft prospects into the right buckets (Overrated - Cashius Howell:  Howell is a springy, bendy edge rusher who turned in his best collegiate season in 2025, including 11.5 sacks. He checks the box for functional play strength in the run game, but is on the shorter side. His 30.25-inch arm length is an extreme outlier when referring to the measurements of All-Pro edge rushers over the last six years; more than two inches shorter than the average. I understand the expectation is not All-Pro status for a prospect consistently taken late in Round 1, but it's also too rich for a designated pass rusher. The margins are razor-thin. Howell is a top-50 prospect in my personal rankings, but the range where he is coming off the board in mock draft projections is much higher.) (4-10-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-overrated-underrated/

Ranking the top 10 edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft (7. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M, 6-2 ½, 253.  Projected rotational pass rusher with go-to spin move as a rookie. Of 27 career sacks, three on three straight plays vs. Utah State was most impressive. Will disguise a drop in coverage (14 pass breakups). Improvements as a run defender needed to play three downs.) (4-10-26):  https://nypost.com/2026/04/10/sports/ranking-the-top-10-edge-rushers-in-the-2026-nfl-draft/

Top 25 Prospects For The Detroit Lions In The 2026 NFL Draft: If the Lions wind up with any of these guys, they had a good draft (10: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M - Average Draft Position: 34.  AtoZ Sports big board ranking: 25th.  The Beast Ranking: 39th.  There’s a little trade-off with Howell and Parker here. Howell is a better pass rusher, recording 41 pressures and 11.5 sacks this past season, but Parker is the better run defender.  It’s not that Howell is bad; it’s just that Parker is better. There’s a lot of value to having a guy who can rush the passer, but you also want a guy who can do more than one thing. The Lions have seen Texas A&M play a couple of times this year.) (4-8-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/top-25-prospects-for-the-detroit-lions-in-the-2026-nfl-draft-if-the-lions-wind-up-with-any-of-these-guys-they-had-a-good-draft/

What execs, scouts are saying about the NFL draft class' most polarizing players (Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M:  Howell's arm length is even shorter than Bain's, at 30¼ inches. He's ultra productive, winning SEC defensive player of the year after recording 11.5 sacks in 2025. He's only 22 despite five collegiate seasons. And his 4.59-second 40-yard dash is impressive for his size (6-2½, 253 pounds).  "Bain can overcome his short arms with raw power. Howell doesn't have that," an AFC scout said. "What he does have is an incredible motor. He goes hard all the time."  NFL teams see a starting-caliber player or, at worst, a subpackage rusher who must find creative ways to win on the outside due to his arms.  Howell ranks as the No. 4 outside linebacker in Mel Kiper Jr.'s positional big board, behind Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Texas Tech's David Bailey and Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas.) (4-8-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48420715/nfl-execs-scouts-2026-draft-most-polarizing-players


2026 NFL Draft edge rankings: Rueben Bain Jr., David Bailey headline class with plenty of good (if not great) prospects (9. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Howell is a bit more of an idea than a solidified edge prospect who should be starting early in his NFL career. He was fast at the scouting combine, but had some poor scores in the jumps that highlight a concern with him as a player: the ability to be stout and explosive at the point of attack, and not sacrifice the integrity of the defense. This is a player who feels like the ultimate boom-bust defensive lineman in this year’s class. — CM) (3-31-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-edge-rankings-rueben-bain-jr-david-bailey-headline-class-with-plenty-of-good-if-not-great-prospects-211443338.html

2026 NFL Draft EDGE Rankings: David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr. headline deep, talented class (6. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Howell is a flexible, twitchy pass rusher who plays fast. It is extremely difficult for offensive tackles to match his movements when on an island. He shows off a wide array of moves from an arm over with stutter steps, a spin move and outside speed to dip around the outside shoulder in one fluid motion.  Howell’s lack of length and inconsistent run defense will prevent him from being an every-down player early in his career. It’s concerning that he was kept in check vs. Notre Dame, Texas and Miami in 2025, but he knows how to get after the quarterback. He projects as a top-50 pick that should see the field on passing downs right away.) (3-31-26):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-draft-edge-rankings-david-bailey-rueben-bain-jr-headline-deep-talented-class

2026 NFL Draft Stock Report (Up - Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M:  The Aggies speed rusher has natural pass rush ability, and that is helping him with teams looking for edge rush talent after the top-10. Howell is also aided by the coaches getting involved in the process, as he is known as a high-character individual, and on tape, he has a non-stop motor with relentless effort. Howell has a shot to go in the top-20 next April.) (3-31-26):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_30.php

The Lions Should Draft This Guy: Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell has what both the Lions and their fans want at the same time (3-30-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-should-draft-this-guy-texas-ams-cashius-howell-has-what-both-the-lions-and-their-fans-want-at-the-same-time/

What I learned at the NFL combine: Detroit Lions buzz and draft targets (10. Curious about the edge class, I asked an NFC defensive coach to rank the following edge rushers: Mesidor, Young, Faulk, Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas and Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell. His order:  1. Faulk, 2. Young, 3. Howell, 4. Mesidor, 5. Thomas, 6. Parker) (3-5-26):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7083679/2026/03/05/lions-combine-analysis-needs/

5 2026 NFL Combine Breakouts Who Are For Real — And 3 Who Aren’t (Fact: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M - Much was made about Cashius Howell's lack of desirable length. Scouts knew his arms were historically short, and they officially measured in at 30.25 inches. Howell rebounded nicely once on-field testing began. The former Aggies standout ran the fastest 10-yard split among EDGEs at 1.58 seconds, and his 4.59-second 40 was fifth-best.  That same lower-body explosion and short-area quickness is evident on tape. Howell utilized those tools to record 11.5 sacks in 2025, second-most in the SEC. Howell is an elite athlete who established himself as a first-round-worthy prospect at the NFL Combine.) (3-5-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/10-players-who-moved-up-to-second-day-of-nfl-draft-with-combine-performance

2026 NFL Draft: Grading top 25 prospects at the NFL combine (Cashius Howell - Measurables: 6-feet-2½, 253 pounds, 9¼-inch hands, 30¼-inch arms, 74¼-inch wingspan.  Testing: 4.59-second 40-yard dash, 1.58-second 10-yard split, 32.5-inch vertical, 9-foot-7 broad.  Grade: C- -- I hate giving Howell the lowest grade here because it centers on an immutable trait he has no control over. But 30¼-inch arms aren't just short -- they'd be the shortest of any drafted edge rusher in over 20 years. Add below-average jumps for an undersized rusher, and it's hard to see him going in the first round.) (3-3-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-grades-top-25-prospects-nfl-combine/

2026 NFL Combine Recap: What You Need To Know (Arm length was a major talking point for this class, with projected first-rounders Rueben Bain Jr. (30 7/8 inches) and Cashius Howell (30 1/4 inches) having historically short arms for the position. Neither measurement was really a surprise and has already been factored into their draft grades. I don't see either player sliding from their expected draft range.) (3-2-36):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/03/02/2026-nfl-combine-recap-notes

2026 Scouting Combine: Which Stars in the Drills Actually Show That Athleticism on Tape? (Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M: Oh, yes -  Like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Cashius Howell will be bashed over and over in public evaluation spaces for his short arms (30 1/4’’) and like Bain, when you actually watch his tape, it ain’t gonna matter. While Bain transcends his limitations with ridiculous first-strike power that brings to mind an unholy combination of Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson, Howell is able to skip around the issue with supreme flexibility and short-area speed. Which is why his 4.59-second 40-yard dash, and 1.58-second 10-yard split at 6-foot-2 1/2 and 253 pounds were so important — because they checked all the boxes when it comes to what you see on tape.  Last season, Howell totaled 12 sacks, 41 pressures, 15 solo tackles, 21 stops, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and play after play which showed that even if the quarterback was able to elude him in the pocket (which wasn’t often), Howell was going to make up for it with killer sideline to sideline speed. Howell’s quickness also allows him to match and carry tight ends all over the field, so if you want to denigrate all of that at the altar of arm length, that may be a you problem.) (3-2-26):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-scouting-combine-stars-jeremiyah-love-bryce-lance-kenyon-sadiq

NFL Combine winners and losers, from Ty Simpson to Diego Pavia and more (NFL Combine losers - Cashius Howell's arm length, EDGE:  Howell's arms measured at 30 1/4 inches, a measurement that was shorter than Bain. The Texas A&M edge rusher produced after transferring from Bowling Green with 11.5 sacks and 27 quarterback hurries this season. It took two years for Howell to adjust to the SEC — and he might be pressured to produce earlier at the next level? The good news? Howell tied with Reese with a 1.58 in the 10-yard split — which was the best among the defensive lineman. He's still in the first round in our latest SN Mock Draft.) (3-2-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-winners-losers-ty-simpson-jeremiyah-love-diego-pavia/b1491b273a60073d643f6806

Everything Detroit Lions Fans Need to Know After NFL Combine (Who were top performers at the Combine?
On the defensive side, top performers who could be targets for the Lions include safety Lorenzo Styles, Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell and Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker. Styles ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash of any position player at the Combine at 4.27, and showed some serious athletic ability.) (3-2-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/everything-detroit-lions-fans-need-to-know-after-nfl-combine-2026

$.05 From The 2026 NFL Draft Combine ($.04--The concept of arm length became a major topic throughout the Combine. Relative to some of the top offensive and defensive linemen, it was an inescapable “yeah, but” part of the discussion.  Take Rueben Bain. His game tape from Miami screams high-end pass rushing and all-around great EDGE prospect. Yeah, but his arms are unusually short for a guy who stands 6-foot-2. Measuring in at under 31 inches, Bain’s arm length, or lack thereof, makes him a major outlier for players at his position. Per SiriusXM NFL Radio, no defensive end with arms that short has been selected in the top two rounds since at least 2003.  Bain will break that string, of course, but the arm length question also dogs Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell. In Indy, Howell measured a quarter-inch taller than Bain but with even shorter arms, barely over 30 inches. Howell is an impressive speed rusher, but he’s an even more extreme outlier with the arms than Bain, and it’s likely to keep him out of the first round. Why does arm length matter for a pass rusher? It’s all about the initial engagement with the offensive tackle. Getting into the chest of the tackle, and also keeping the tackle out of your own chest, is a critical skill for DE/OLBs trying to get into the backfield. It’s easier to create space for yourself and to stay unlocked and unblocked a half-count longer. It’s harder to convert speed to power with shorter arms, too.) (3-2-26):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3679/$05-From-The-2026-NFL-Draft-Combine

How 2026 Combine Changed the Detroit Lions Draft Board (While David Bailey and Arvell Reese will both likely be off the board, some combination of Cashius Howell, Keldrick Faulk, Zion Young and Akheem Mesidor could be available.  Of that group, Young profiles as the closest fit to what Detroit has targeted in the past given his production as a run defender. Meanwhile, someone like Faulk or Mesidor could bring more immediate pass-rush production.) (3-1-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/how-2026-combine-changed-detroit-lions-draft-board

NFL Combine Risers and Fallers: Sonny Styles Steals the Show (Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell gingerly walked to the sideline, favoring his left leg after falling on a coverage drill late in the session.) (2-27-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-draft-combine-risers-fallers-sonny-styles

2026 NFL Draft: Strengths, weaknesses for the top EDGE prospects (EDGE4. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M - PFF Predictive Big Board Rank: 17.  Strengths:  Frenetic rush style with a good first step.  Shows competitiveness in run defense.  Will maximize his shorter arm length in bull rush and long-arm pass rushes.  Shows good “pop” at contact when he fires his hands up and into linemen's chests.  Shows a variety of pass-rush moves with quick hands. Very nice inside counters.  Relentless player.  Weaknesses:  Has a false step out of his two-point stance. Launches off his back foot.  Arm length/wingspan is unprecedentedly short) (2-27-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-strengths-weaknesses-top-edge-defender-prospects

2026 NFL Combine Stock Report – Defensive Ends (Down - Cashius Howell, DE/OLB, Texas A&M:  Everyone discussed Reuben Bain’s 30 7/8-inch arms. Well, Cashius Howell’s arms were even shorter at 30 1/4 inches! Howell had a great 10-yard split of 1.58 to make up for it, but there will be teams that will be concerned with his dinosaur arms.) (2-26-26):  https://walterfootball.com/combine2026stockDE.php

2026 NFL combine: Top draft prospects, best workouts, risers (Day 1: Defensive linemen and linebackers - Miller: Arm length was the topic of the day, as Bain (30 7/8 inches) and Texas A&M's Cashius Howell (30 1/4) measured under 31 inches. According to ESPN Research, those lengths would be the shortest for any defensive lineman drafted in the first round since ESPN started tracking combine data in 2003.  Will NFL general managers bet that they're outliers? I've talked to a few teams that had slightly different measurements, ranging up to 32 inches for Bain, but the point stands that no edge rusher with sub-31-inch arms has had 10-plus sacks in a season since 1999. So which team will bet against those numbers? The likely result is that each falls from their current rankings based on film -- Bain is my No. 10 prospect and Howell my No. 23 -- but it's unlikely that either falls out of Round 1.  More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw on Day 1 - Miller: Cashius Howell had a day that'll no doubt send scouts back to his tape. We already noted the Texas A&M edge rusher's subpar arm length, but he then ran an elite 4.6-second 40, which included a 1.59-second 10-yard split. Those numbers are in the 88th and 87th percentile, respectively, for edge rushers since 1999. Short arms can be overcome with speed, and Howell proved he has that. Despite leaving positional drills after a leg injury, the 6-foot-3, 253-pounder likely secured a late first-round selection.) (2-26-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47978529/2026-nfl-combine-top-draft-prospects-workouts-risers-40-every-position

Winners and losers from Day 1 of NFL Combine drills (Loser: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M - Howell wasn't surprising anyone with his lack of length. But coming in with 30.25-inch arms is confirmation that he's a negative outlier and bound to hurt his stock. No edge rusher in MockDraftable's database (NFL Combine participants since 1999) has that kind of limitation -- by a half-inch. That's a problem anyway one cuts it, and weighing in at 253 pounds (totally fine!) may not be able to compensate. He might need standout 40-yard dash and three-cone times to limit his fall, and even an optimistic view of his athletic profile is more about damage control than potential.  Howell's film is promising. However, his arm length demands that coaches ask how they can mitigate his biggest weakness. Fair or not, that makes him more difficult to take in the top 50.) (2-26-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-winners-losers-updates-defensive-linemen-linebackers/05ef69f7e5f8c526e415d8b3

8 EDGE Rushers Who Won the NFL Combine (Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M:  Cashius Howell's combine day began in disappointing fashion as his long-awaited arm length measurement arrived at a historically poor 30.25 inches. Howell managed to rebound by displaying his athleticism. He ran an excellent 4.59 in the 40-yard dash, accompanied by an 87th percentile and chart-topping 1.58 in the 10-yard split.  Howell is super explosive and twitchy on tape. He notched 11.5 sacks in the SEC this past year, second-most in the competitive conference. The arm length deficiency will negatively impact Howell's pre-draft stock, but his athleticism is undeniable, and may serve as an equalising factor for some teams.) (2-26-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/8-edge-rushers-who-won-the-nfl-combine

NFL combine workouts: Top DL/EDGE grades, plus other standouts (Cashius Howell - Grade: B- -- One of the concerns surrounding Howell coming into this week was his lack of ideal length, so his historically short arms were not exactly surprising. He is incredibly twitchy and explosive. He was another who stood out in the "Run the Hoop" drill. His 4.59-second 40-yard dash was among the best in his group.) (2-26-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2026-dl-edge-grades-standouts/

2026 NFL combine results: Full list of measurements and 40 times as testing begins (Cashius Howell, Mike Renner's No. 24 prospect in this class, has even shorter arms than Bain at 30¼ inches -- the shortest of any edge rusher since 1999, per MockDraftable. However, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year doesn't believe his historically short arms will prevent him from being productive in the NFL. "Those are just the cards that I've been dealt," Howell said during Wednesday's podium session. "I'm going to do everything in my power to perfect my technique and perfect my craft in whatever way possible.") (2-26-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-combine-results-full-list-measurements-40-times/

Biggest NFL Combine takeaways from Day 1 of draft workouts (Defensive Ends Short Zone Breaks Drill - Bailey, Howell, Lawrence and Llewellyn performed with the best fluidity and finish.  Defensive Ends Wave Drill - This is where the pass rush drills begin to look like they are being performed by pass rushers. The duration will be noticeably quicker and the moves and transitions should be much smoother.  Cashius Howell, like Faulk, was expected to put on a show, but early he is also having footing issues. Cashius Howell - DE - Texas A&M: 1st attempt: 4.60 / 2nd attempt: 4.60) (2-26-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/nfl-combine-live-updates-highlights-day-1-draft-workouts/faf24a64a79f9b4dd56b488c

2026 NFL Combine News: Bain, Howell's Arms Measure Shorter Than Expected (Edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Cashius Howell's arms shorter than expected - Prior to working out on Thursday, Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) and many of the other top edge rushers' bodies were put to the test as each prospect at the position was measured. Bain and Howell didn't receive good news during their measurements, with each player's arms measuring shorter than 31 inches long. Bain's arms were measured at 30 7/8 inches, while Howell's arms were measured at 30 1/4 inches. Obviously, we won't know if their draft stock will take a hit because of those measurements. However, it isn't an ideal arm length for an edge rusher. For reference, Abdul Carter's arms were measured at 33 inches last year, before the Giants made him the first edge rusher taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. James Pearce Jr. had the shortest arm measurement of the edge rushers selected in the first round last year, with his arm length coming in at 32 3/4 inches.  Looking around the league, Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett has 35 1/4-inch arms. Of the six edge rushers to be named an All-Pro last season, only one had an arm length shorter than 32 inches. That was Packers' star Micah Parsons, who has 31.5-inch arms.  In fact, only three other edge rushers have had an arm length measured at fewer than 31 inches at the combine since at least 1999, per MockDraftable. Two of them didn't record a regular-season stat in their NFL careers (Nate Williams, Tyree Johnson), while the third eventually converted to fullback (Sutton Smith).  Entering the combine, Bain and Howell were widely viewed as first-round picks, with the former potentially being a top-five selection. FOX Sports' Henry McKenna had the Jets selecting Bain at No. 2 in his most recent mock draft, while he had the Bears taking Howell with the 25th pick.) (2-26-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-combine-news

NFL Combine Buzz: two 2026 prospects shooting up the draft boards despite having outlier traits (It feels like you mostly see Howell come off the board very late in the first round of mock drafts, if not early in the second. Out of the two pass rushers, Howell would be the more likely player to go top half of the first round. His injury history is just cleaner, while still offering upside to tap into. As of today, I would be a bit surprised if at least one of them didn’t go off the board inside of the top 20 selections.) (2-26-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2026-nfl-combine-buzz-two-2026-prospects-shooting-up-the-draft-boards-cashius-howell-r-mason-thomas-rueben-bain-jr/

10 Most Intriguing EDGE Prospects at NFL Scouting Combine (6. Cashius Howell (Texas A&M):  Howell was a first-team AP All-America selection after posting 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 6 pass deflections as a fifth-year senior for Texas A&M's College Football Playoff squad.  But he has plenty to prove at the combine this week after his official arm length measurement raised concerns.  Texas A&M ED Cashius Howell having 30 1/4” arms is the shortest by an EDGE of the NFL Combine 2000s https://t.co/XMus7tfspr pic.twitter.com/qNeqdaVzAt — Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) February 26, 2026) (2-26-26):  https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/10-most-intriguing-edge-prospects-at-nfl-scouting-combine-reese-height-faulk-tucker

2026 NFL Draft EDGE Rankings: Big Board, Tiers & Predictions (6. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M:  Cashius Howell posted 11.5 sacks in 2025, second-most in the SEC. His lethal combination of speed and first-step explosiveness off the edge routinely stresses offensive tackles. Howell will measure in with short arms at the NFL Combine, and his ability to defend the edge in the run game will ultimately decide how impactful he is. It feels like you mostly see Howell come off the board very late in the first round of mock drafts, if not early in the second. Out of the two pass rushers, Howell would be the more likely player to go top half of the first round. His injury history is just cleaner, while still offering upside to tap into. As of today, I would be a bit surprised if at least one of them didn’t go off the board inside of the top 20 selections.) (2-25-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/rumors/2026-nfl-draft-edge-rankings-big-board-tiers-predictions

2026 NFL Draft: Top 50 Prospects at the Scouting Combine (15. Cassius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M:  Among my favorite defenders in this class, Howell has the burst and bend to wreak havoc off the edge as a pass-rusher, and he also showed impressive change of direction and instincts in coverage, when asked to play off the ball.) (2-23-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-top-50-prospects-scouting-combine

2026 NFL Draft: Pre-combine consensus ADP — top 20 players in the PFF Mock Draft Simulator (16. ED Cashius Howell, Texas A&M: Average draft position 17.6. Howell’s combine measurements could significantly impact his ADP. His production is already established — 12 sacks and a 90.3 PFF pass-rushing grade — but official height and arm-length measurements remain key variables. Howell wins with explosion and flexibility off the edge, and the combine provides an opportunity to validate those traits.) (2-23-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-top-20-players-adp-mock-draft-simulator

2026 NFL combine: Prospects who could boost draft stock (Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M:  Howell projects as a high-floor edge thanks to his relentless motor, heavy-handed power, and refined speed-to-power transitions that consistently force tackles to re-anchor. His diverse pass-rush toolkit, inside counter and legitimate man-coverage ability add rare versatility for a hybrid defender. He can, however, play stiff at times and struggle to disengage when longer tackles lock him up early in reps.) (2-23-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-combine-draft-risers-to-watch/

Top Prospects Lions Fans Need to Watch at 2026 Scouting Combine (Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Howell began his career in the Mid-American Conference before transferring to Texas A&M two seasons ago, and finished his career with a bang in 2025. He notched 11.5 sacks for the Aggies, and earned All-American honors in the process.) (2-23-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/top-prospects-lions-fans-to-watch-2026-scouting-combine

2026 Combine Preview: Oklahoma Defensive End Fits Detroit Lions (“Cashius Howell is super explosive, like might run in the 4.4s type of explosive. And then Mesidor’s tough and physical, not quite as juicy, but he would fit the toughness component there,” Jeremiah explained to reporters. “R Mason Thomas is another one where, that would be kind of a Lions pick.) (2-21-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/oklahoma-defensive-end-fits-detroit-lions-2026-combine-preview

2026 NFL Draft: Top 5 prospects at each defensive position (Defensive End - 4. Cashius Howell:  After that comes a tier of two speed rushers in David Bailey and Cashius Howell. Bailey is the more explosive athlete, while Howell is the more refined rusher. Bailey's feast-or-famine play style is what worries me most about his projection. He tore up lesser athletes at offensive tackle, but those who could match his speed fared much better. Still, athletes of his caliber tend to have high floors as pass rushers. Howell doesn't have quite the same juice, but he knows how to rush the passer better at this stage. His ability to set up tackles and bend the edge is outstanding. He may wind up a designated pass rusher only at the next level.) (2-19-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2026-combine-defensive-rankings-top-5-by-position/

Top 5 edge rushers for the Detroit Lions at the 2026 NFL Combine (Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M - Average Draft Position: 21st.  A to Z Sports big board ranking: 22nd.  There’s a little trade-off with Howell and Parker here. Howell is a better pass rusher, recording 41 pressures and 11.5 sacks this past season, but Parker is the better run defender.  It’s not that Howell is bad; it’s just that Parker is better. There’s a lot of value to having a guy who can rush the passer, but you also want a guy who can do more than one thing. The Lions have seen Texas A&M play a couple of times this year.) (2-19-25):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/top-5-edge-rushers-for-the-detroit-lions-at-the-2026-nfl-combine/

2026 Combine preview: Edge rusher (4. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M, 6-2, 248.  Howell has the bend, burst and speed combination that's tough for offensive tackles to deal with on the edge. He might not have the size and length NFL teams ideally look for, but there's no denying Howell's production of 25.0 sacks and 33.0 tackles for loss over the last three seasons.) (2-17-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-combine-preview-edge-rusher-reese-bailey-bain

10 boom-or-bust players in the 2026 NFL Draft (EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Howell is a projected top-20 pick thanks to how productive he’s been as a pass-rusher over the last three years, one at Bowling Green and two at Texas A&M. He’s earned 90.0-plus PFF pass-rush grades in each of those seasons, and his 93.0 pass-rush grade since 2023 is fourth in America.  Howell is a bit undersized, at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, and that shows up in the run game, where he has a career 73.1 run-defense grade. He also reportedly has sub-31-inch arms, which would put him in the 0th percentile for edge defenders.) (2-13-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-10-boom-or-bust-players-in-the-2026-nfl-draft


2026 NFL Draft prospects: Top 10 players on defense (6. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  These three all have some questions that may keep them out of the top 20 picks come April. Howell's smaller frame (6-foot-2, sub-31 inch arms) will likely take him off the board for some teams. But his burst and bend off the edge are undoubtedly impressive.) (1-30-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/01/30/2026-nfl-draft-top-10-rankings-defense/88403594007/

PFF College Football 101: The Top 101 players from the 2025 season (82. EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Howell was one of the SEC’s most productive pass-rushers this season. The projected first-round pick recorded 12 sacks, tied for the fifth most nationally, and earned a 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade that ranked 20th among all edge defenders.) (1-20-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pff-101-top-101-players-from-the-2025-season

Is Cashius Howell Detroit Lions Future EDGE? (1-12-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/is-cashius-howell-detroit-lions-future-edge

Lions Land EDGE in Latest 2026 PFF NFL Mock Draft (1-7-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/lions-land-edge-latest-2026-pff-nfl-mock-draft

Texas A&M Star EDGE Cashius Howell Declares For 2026 NFL Draft After Historic Season (12-31-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/texas-am-star-edge-cashius-howell-declares-for-2026-nfl-draft-after-historic-season

Top 10 edge rushers in college football (10. Cashius Howell – Texas A&M (91 OVR):  Cashius Howell adds a power-based pass-rushing element to Texas A&M’s defensive front. His hand usage and leverage give him an advantage in trench battles, especially on early downs. Howell’s physicality sets the tone for the defense and creates opportunities for teammates to make plays. As he refines his rush techniques, he has the potential to emerge as a dominant force in the conference.) (12-28-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/top-10-edge-rushers-in-college-football-v/

KC Concepcion and Cashius Howell underwhelmed for A&M on Saturday (12-22-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/22/texas-am-2-1st-round-prospects-cfp-loss/87879092007/

2026 NFL Draft Guide to Bowl Season: The Best Prospect At Each Position (Edge: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Between Howell and the Hurricanes duo of Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, there might be three 2026 first-round picks lining up off the edge in Saturday’s first-round playoff game between Miami and Texas A&M. Howell is the swiftest and most productive of the trio, and that often translates into the highest draft selection. What scouts are going to love about Howell is that he wins in so many different ways. He has the burst to beat tackles to the outside, dipping his shoulder and flattening out to run the arc efficiently. He counters this burst with a smooth jab step back inside.  Best of all, Howell isn’t reliant upon his feet — he uses his hands and core flexibility nicely to slither his way by would-be blockers who seemingly have him contained. A proven disruptive force dating back to his days at Bowling Green, Howell has a chance to be the first senior defensive player selected in this class, even if his lack of ideal size (6-foot-2, 248 pounds) means he’s best suited as a stand-up rush linebacker rather than a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end.) (12-19-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-guide-bowl-season-best-prospect-each-position

Two Texas A&M Aggies Awarded Prestigious Postseason Honors (Cashius Howell (EDGE), Texas A&M:  Howell’s 11.5 sacks in 2024 make him one of the most productive pass rushers in college football. He’s a relentless pass rusher who may begin his NFL career as a third-down impact player, though his overall ceiling is intriguing. Questions will persist about his lack of ideal length and size, but edge rushers who consistently win with bend, as Howell does, are generally a safe bet at the next level.) (12-19-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/two-texas-am-aggies-awarded-prestigious-postseason-honors

6 best prospects in Texas A&M vs. Miami in College Football Playoffs (12-19-25):  https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/2026-nfl-draft-prospects-miami-texas-am-college-football-playoffs

Miami vs. Texas A&M: 10 Players To Watch (Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M:  Aggies EDGE Cashius Howell posted an SEC-high 11.5 sacks this season. The former Bowling Green transfer struggled against Texas offensive tackle Trevor Goosby in the regular-season finale, a performance fresh in the minds of scouts. Evaluators have questions about Howell's short arms and his ability to defend the run on early downs at the next level. A bounce-back in the CFP would help.) (12-18-25):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2025/12/18/miami-vs-texas-am-players-to-watch

Texas A&M hosts Miami in College Football Playoff debut for both teams (Texas A&M is led by defensive end Cashius Howell, a first team AP All-America selection and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year who led the SEC and ranks fourth in the nation with 11 ½ sacks.) (12-18-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/cfb/texas-am-hosts-miami-in-college-football-playoff-debut-for-both-teams

2026 NFL draft tiers for every College Football Playoff team (Round 2: Edge Cashius Howell, G Trey Zuhn III, G Chase Bisontis*, CB Will Lee III - A&M's defense is loaded, but no player boosted his stock as much as Howell did. The 6-foot-2, 248-pounder led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and added 39 pressures. He doesn't have ideal size, but his quickness and bend around the edge are prototypical for a successful pass rusher) (12-17-25):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47304617/2026-nfl-draft-prospects-college-football-playoff-indiana-ohio-state-georgia

The Sporting News 2025 College Football All-America Team (DE/EDGE: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Howell – a Bowling Green transfer – emerged as one of the best pass-rushing talents in the FBS this season. He had 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Howell also had 26 hurries, according to PFF, including seven in the rivalry matchup against Arkansas on Oct. 18.) (12-17-25):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/college-football-all-america-team-2025-sporting-news/b146d858c53c906d5b9646b7

Cashius Howell’s rise at Texas A&M coincides with Aggies’ progress (12-17-25):  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/dec/17/cashius-howells-rise-at-texas-am-coincides-with/

College football: 2025 AP All-America first-team defense list is out (David Bailey - Narrative: Bailey emerged as one of the most disruptive edge defenders in college football, consistently pressuring quarterbacks off the line. His combination of length, power, and first-step quickness made him a focal point of Texas Tech’s defensive front. He was widely regarded as the engine of the Red Raiders’ pass rush.) (12-16-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/college-football-2025-ap-all-america-first-team-defense-list-is-out-v/

College football: 2025 AP All-America first-team defense list is out (Cashius Howell - Narrative: Howell anchored the Aggies’ defensive line with relentless effort and physicality on the edge. He excelled at setting the edge against the run while still providing consistent backfield penetration. His all-around play made him one of the SEC’s most dependable defensive linemen.) (12-16-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/college-football-2025-ap-all-america-first-team-defense-list-is-out-v/

From no offers to the College Football Playoff, Cashius Howell has had an incredible rise (12-15-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/cfb/from-no-offers-to-the-college-football-playoff-cashius-howell-has-had-an-incredible-rise

Cashius Howell’s Journey To Becoming Force At Texas A&M (12-14-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/cashius-howell-journey-to-becoming-force-at-texas-am

Top 100 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board: Bowl Games Highlight Dante Moore, Ty Simpson, and Others (94. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M) (12-13-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-100-nfl-draft-prospects-bowl-games-2025/

Howell, Zuhn III Receive SEC Individual Honors (Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and Trey Zuhn III received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the league's top offensive lineman by vote of the conference head coaches, the SEC office announced Wednesday.  Howell is Texas A&M's first SEC Defensive Player of the Year since the school joined the league in 2012. He's the first Aggie to win top defender honors in any league since NFF Hall of Famer Dat Nguyen won the honor in the Big 12 Conference in 1998. Zuhn is the third Aggie to receive the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, joining Luke Joeckel in 2012 and Jake Matthews in 2013.  The 6-2, 248-pound Howell emerged as the SEC's most-feared pass rusher in 2025 with a league-best 11.5 sacks, while also generating 41 quarterback pressures according to Pro Football Focus. His sack total was the most by an Aggie since current NFL record-setter Myles Garrett posted the same amount in 2014. Additionally, the Kansas City, Missouri, native ranked fourth in the SEC with 14.0 tackles for loss. Making plays all over the field, the redshirt senior finished the regular season with 29 tackles, including 19 solo stops, and also batted down six opponent aerials. He is a finalist for the Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award.) (12-10-25):  https://12thman.com/news/2025/12/10/football-howell-zuhn-iii-receive-sec-individual-honors

Cashius Howell Interview: How Breakout Season Happened (12-10-25):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2025/12/10/cashius-howell-interview

Who are 2026 NFL Draft’s biggest senior risers? NFL scouting director weighs in (Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M:  No surprise here. Howell leads the SEC with 11.5 sacks and appeared in my mock draft last week (No. 25 to the Los Angeles Chargers). The summer feedback from scouts on the Bowling Green transfer was that he’d be a potential fifth- or sixth-rounder, but Howell has put himself in the top-32 conversation.  At 6 feet 2 and 249 pounds with shorter than 31-inch arms, Howell can be overwhelmed at times on the edge, especially as a run defender. But his initial burst and blend of power and flexibility throughout his pass rush (around the arc or inside) make him dangerous. I think the scouting director used the word “juice” a half-dozen times when talking about Howell’s pass rush, which is why Howell will get consideration on the first night of the draft.) (12-10-25):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6874452/2025/12/10/nfl-draft-2026-risers-cashius-howell-jacob-rodriguez/

2026 NFL Draft Edge/Pass Rusher Rankings: Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. Narrowly Tops Texas Tech’s David Bailey at No. 1 (Cashius Howell/Texas A&M: After a career season, Howell has improved his draft stock more than any other pass rusher in the nation. Entering the season graded as a mid-Day 3 pick, the Aggies DE has moved into first-round conversations after 11.5 sacks and 14 TFLs. Yet he does more than make plays up the field, as his six pass breakups are proof that Howell is more than capable of dropping off the line and making plays when the ball is in the air. He may be tapped out physically, yet Howell should be an outstanding outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment on Sundays.) (12-9-25):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-flagship-2026-nfl-draft-edge-pass-rusher-rankings-miamis-rueben-bain-jr-narrowly-tops-texas-techs-david-bailey-at-no-1/

Mike Elko Has Been Impressed By Cashius Howell For This Reason

Two Texas A&M stars ranked as top 50 2026 NFL Draft prospects (This offseason, senior edge Cashius Howell took the next step in his development as the team's top pass rusher. Working with S&C coach Tommy Moffitt has paid off, adding substantial muscle to his frame. At the same time, his elite athleticism and 6'4" stature were never an issue, and only added to the high expectations those of us in the media bestowed upon him.  Through 12 regular-season games, Howell finished as the team and SEC leader in sacks (11.5) along with 30-plus pressures, and will be one of the most important players heading into the postseason. Currently positioned as the 50th-ranked prospect in Matt Miller's rankings, Howell's 30-inch arms will likely keep him out of the first round. "The SEC leader in sacks this season (11.5), Howell has risen from a Day 3 prospect with a great motor and limited upside to a potential starter for 3-4 defenses. His size won't endear him to every team, but his explosive bend around the edge plays well in a standup role where his natural leverage and speed can win. Shorter arms and a smaller frame might lead to a later draft-day result, but Howell can flat-out play.") (12-7-25):  https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/aggies/football/2025/12/07/texas-aggies-football-cashius-howell-kc-concepcion-espn-matt-miller-2026-nfl-draft/87651789007/


PFF 2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Edge defenders (5. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M Aggies - Big board rank: 17.  Howell is a bit undersized overall for edge rushers in the NFL, but when you limit the percentile to just outside linebackers, his size checks out. He's a competitive player in both the run and pass game, and as the 2024 season went on, he became more confident with a variety of pass-rush moves, including a nasty inside spin counter. He has a false step that can be cleaned up, which could make him even faster out of his stance, but he seems to have limited flexibility to threaten the outside shoulder with speed. Even in his current form, he's a rotational edge option for a 3-4 front as an outside linebacker.) (12-1-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-edge-defenders

8 Texas A&M Players Predicted to Earn NFL Draft Attention Ahead of the Lone Star Showdown (Cashius Howell, EDGE:  Few Aggies have broken out this season like Cashius Howell, one of college football’s most disruptive pass rushers. His 83.0 PFSN impact grade ranks 14th among all EDGE defenders.  At 6’2″, 249 pounds with sub-31″ arms, Howell isn’t the prototype for every scheme, but he’s a perfect fit in hybrid or odd-front defenses that value speed and finesse over raw power.  Cummings noted, “Howell is a mid-to-late Day 2 prospect because of an almost entirely absent power profile, but he’s a perfect fit for Ejiro Evero’s defense: an explosive, finesse-based rusher who excels at terrorizing QBs.”  Despite his size limitations, Howell’s advanced skill set keeps him balanced and dangerous:  Elite bend and agility, Deep pass-rush toolbox, Explosive first step, Smart situational awareness.  A major showing against Texas’s offensive line could push his draft stock even higher.) (11-28-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/texas-am-nfl-draft-prospects-2026/

Texas A&M chases perfection and a chance to crush Texas' playoff dreams in high-stakes rivalry game (Texas A&M's Howell leads the SEC with 11 1/2 sacks and is a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award for the national defensive player of the year.) (11-26-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/cfb/texas-am-chases-perfection-and-a-chance-to-crush-texas-playoff-dreams-in-highstakes-rivalry-game

Aggies to watch: SEC sack leader coming to Austin to face Texas (Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell:  If there is a pass rusher in the SEC better than Colin Simmons, it’s Cashius Howell. Howell leads the SEC and is second in the country in sacks on the season. He will be a true handful for Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker on Friday night. Howell, much like Simmons, is about limiting not full taking out of the game. If the Longhorns can limit his impact, there should be openings for Arch Manning and the pass game. ) (11-26-25):  https://longhornswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/longhorns/football/2025/11/26/cashius-howell-mario-craver-tops-aggies-to-watch-on-friday-night/87473197007/

What the Stats Say About Texas A&M vs. Texas Longhorns Matchup (On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Cashius Howell leads the Aggies and the Southeastern Conference in sacks with 11.5, which is good for second in the country. That's not to say Howell is the only difference maker, with the rest of the Maroon and White defense bringing the team total to 39 (second-best in the country). Together, the unit allows 21.5 points per game (t-ninth).) (11-26-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/what-the-stats-say-about-texas-am-vs-texas-longhorns-matchup

NFL Draft stock report: sell- Texas A&M's two 1st-round prospects (As for Howell, he had two total tackles, one solo. He never sacked Miami quarterback Carson Beck, nor dropped any Miami ball-carrier behind the line of scrimmage. On a day when defense ruled, this should have been his kind of game to realy wreck it. Given that Howell came into this one with 11 sacks on the season, his lack of impact in this one was very unexpected.) (11-22-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/22/texas-am-2-1st-round-prospects-cfp-loss/87879092007/

Cashius Howell NFL Draft Profile: Week 13 Scouting Report for the Texas A&M EDGE (11-22-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cashius-howell-nfl-draft-week-13-2025/

Cashius Howell: Texas A&M's pass-rush gamewrecker is also a Nagurski finalist | Sporting News (11-21-25):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/cashius-howell-texas-ams-pass-rush-gamewrecker-also-nagurski-finalist%C2%A0/17f3cb504327d5620c24331f

This Star Texas A&M Defender Simply Cannot Be Stopped (11-21-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/this-star-texas-am-defender-simply-cannot-be-stopped

Top breakout players, key matchups, plus quotes of the week (Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M: The former Bowling Green transfer had a good debut season with the Aggies in 2024, but Howell has totally raised his game in his second year in the SEC. The 6-2, 248-pound senior has been a consistently elite pass rusher for the undefeated Aggies with 11.5 sacks and 37 pressures, and could end up being a first-round pick next spring.) (11-20-25):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/gamedaykickoff112025/2025-college-football-gameday-kickoff-week-13-usc-oregon-breakout-players

No. 3 Texas A&M looks to improve before showdown with rival Texas when Aggies host Samford (Getting after the QB - The Aggies lead the FBS with 38 sacks this season. On Saturday, they’ll face a team that is last in the FCS by allowing 51 sacks.  Cashius Howell leads A&M’s pass rushing attack and his 1.15 sacks a game rank first in the nation. He has 11 ½ this season, which is the most since 2017 first overall draft pick Myles Garrett also had 11 ½ in 2014. In Saturday’s win, Howell had four tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and three pass breakups. His biggest play came when he chased down LaNorris Sellers for a short gain on fourth-and-16 with just over a minute left to seal the victory.  “That play he made at the end of the game to win that football game … that is an elite level play,” Elko said. “Obviously we dropped them and that was the scheme, but there’s a lot of people that drop that guy in that spot and he doesn’t make that play. That’s just unbelievable awareness, unbelievable feel to close space and close the gap on the quarterback before he could get going.”) (11-20-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/cfb/no-3-texas-am-looks-to-improve-before-showdown-with-rival-texas-when-aggies-host-samford

Texas A&M Defensive End Continues To Impress The Nation (11-18-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/texas-am-defensive-end-continues-to-impress-the-nation

Cashius Howell NFL Draft Profile: Week 12 Scouting Report for the Texas A&M EDGE (11-15-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cashius-howell-nfl-draft-week-12-2025/

Two Aggies Earn SEC Player Of The Week Awards After Impressive Defensive Outing In Week 10 (Cashius Howell - Howell was named the SEC Defensive Line Player Of The Week after his incredible efforts in Columbia, Missouri. Howell ended his Saturday with five tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. He was able to record one of the Aggies' two sacks of the afternoon, a role he has surely stepped into as he leads the team with 10.5. All season long, Howell has been excellent at pressuring the quarterback; if he doesn't get to him, and he has been able to set a new career high in sacks with 10.5. From the beginning of the season, Howell has been impressive on defense, including the Aggies' second game of the season against Utah State, where he was able to have three consecutive sacks in the game.) (11-11-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/two-aggies-earn-sec-player-of-the-week-awards-after-impressive-defensive-outing-in-week-10

Cashius Howell NFL Draft Profile: Week 11 Scouting Report for the Texas A&M EDGE (11-8-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cashius-howell-nfl-draft-week-11-2025/

Mizzou Needs to Worry About Former Recruiting Target at Texas A&M: The Buzz (11-5-25):  https://www.si.com/college/missouri/football/mizzou-needs-to-worry-about-former-recruiting-target-at-texas-a-m-the-buzz-

How Texas A&M DE Cashius Howell makes the Aggies' defense go (part 1) (11-3-25):  https://247sports.com/college/texas-am/article/how-texas-am-de-cashius-howell-makes-the-aggies-defense-go-part-1-259952728/

How Texas A&M DE Cashius Howell makes the Aggies' defense go (part 2) (11-3-25):  https://247sports.com/college/texas-am/article/how-texas-am-de-cashius-howell-makes-the-aggies-defense-go-part-2-259953308/

Cashius Howell NFL Draft Profile: Week 10 Scouting Report for the Texas A&M EDGE (11-1-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cashius-howell-nfl-draft-week-10-2025/


Texas A&M's Cashius Howell Leads SEC In Impressive Defensive Stat (10-31-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/texas-am-cashius-howell-leads-sec-in-impressive-defensive-stat


Oklahoma's top defense faces Tennessee's high-powered offense in Week 10 SEC showdown (Texas A&M leads the FBS with 32 sacks, 10 of which belong to Cashius Howell.) (10-30-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/cfb/oklahomas-top-defense-faces-tennessees-highpowered-offense-in-week-10-sec-showdown

Texas A&M's Cashius Howell 'everything you want in a football player' (10-30-25):  https://www.statesman.com/sports/college/article/cashius-howell-nfl-draft-texas-am-aggies-21129123.php

How Cashius Howell transformed from a Bowling Green transfer to an SEC star with NFL draft hype (10-29-25):  https://sports.yahoo.com/article/cashius-howell-transformed-bowling-green-001757340.html

Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed, DE Cashius Howell named SEC Football Players of the Week (Howell had two tackles for loss and two sacks. He logged his third multi-sack game of the season with a pair of takedowns of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the first half. His 9.5 sacks on the year are the most by an Aggie in a season since 2017 when Landis Durham had 10.5. He anchored a Texas A&M defense that limited LSU to a 2-of-13 (.154) performance on 3rd down and just 60 rushing yards, including minus-8 net rushing yards on 13 attempts in the 2nd half. LSU had to punt seven times, had one turnover on downs, and a 2.78 yards per play average in the second half. Only one of their drives in the second half went for more than 15 yards.) (10-27-25):  https://247sports.com/college/texas-am/article/texas-am-qb-marcel-reed-de-cashius-howell-named-sec-football-players-of-the-week-258936227/

Reed, Howell Earn SEC Weekly Honors After LSU Blowout (Texas A&M's Marcel Reed and Cashius Howell earned SEC weekly honors on Monday for their standout efforts in the No. 3 Aggies' 49-25 road victory over then-No. 20 LSU, the league office announced.  Reed earned his first SEC Offensive Player of the Week award, while Howell was named the Defensive Lineman of the Week for the third time in 2025. Texas A&M has won the league's weekly defensive lineman award five times this season.  Howell, a senior defensive end from Kansas City, Missouri, added to his SEC-best sacks total with a pair of takedowns against LSU. It was Howell's third game with 2.0-plus sacks, which hadn't been done by an Aggie in a season since 2017. His 9.5 total sacks rank No.3 nationally and are the most by an Aggie since 2017.) (10-27-25):  https://12thman.com/news/2025/10/27/football-reed-howell-earn-sec-weekly-honors-after-lsu-blowout

Cashius Howell NFL Draft Profile: Week 9 Scouting Report for the Texas A&M EDGE (10-25-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cashius-howell-nfl-draft-week-9-2025/

5 CFB Players Who Can Raise NFL Draft Stock: 10/25 (Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M:  Texas A&M has climbed to No. 3 in the AP Top 25. They are slight favorites over LSU this weekend. A big-time performance from EDGE Cashius Howell could help the Aggies claim victory while maintaining their current position in the poll.  The athletic Howell has registered five sacks in Texas A&M's previous three games, including a three-sack showing versus Mississippi State. It was his second three-sack showing of the season. Howell pairs first-step quickness with smooth movements in space. He'll attempt to harass Garrett Nussmeier on Saturday.) (10-24-25):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2025/10/24/cfb-players-raise-nfl-draft-stock-oct-25

2026 NFL Draft: Midseason EDGE prospect rankings (8. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M:  Howell began his career at Bowling Green before transferring to Texas A&M for the 2024 season. At 6’2”, 248 pounds, he’ll be a good fit for an NFL 3-4 defense. It also helps that Howell has been a stand-up OLB for the Aggies, occasionally dropping into coverage. Howell has great burst and good athleticism in space to win with quickness in both phases. However, his size shows in the run game, and he needs to develop a power rush off the edge.) (10-23-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/10/23/2026-nfl-draft-midseason-edge-prospect-rankings/86843608007/

College Football Week 9 Preview: Storylines, matchups and predictions for the biggest games (The Aggies’ defensive line is led by star edge rusher Cashius Howell. He paces the SEC with a 91.5 PFF pass-rush grade, 32 pressures and eight sacks. Howell, alongside fellow edge defender Dayon Hayes as well as defensive tackles DJ Hicks and Tyler Onyedim, present a significant challenge to an LSU offense that has struggled to run the ball and consistently protect Garrett Nussmeier.) (10-23-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-9-preview-storylines-matchups-and-predictions-for-the-biggest-games-2

2026 NFL Draft: Ranking the 10 Best Defensive Players in Next Year's Class (8. Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M, 6-2, 248, redshirt senior.  NFL scouts love sleepers just like the rest of us, and after spending his first three seasons in relative obscurity at Bowling Green, and even now that he’s starring in College Station, Howell qualifies. Howell starred at the prep level, but his stubby frame left him with few major offers. He led the MAC with 9.5 sacks in 2023 and flashed in 2024 (8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and seven pass break-ups) in limited playing time behind a defensive line full of future NFL players, including first- and second-round 2025 draft picks Shemar Stewart, Nic Scourton and Shemar Turner. Because of all that talent up front, Howell was sometimes asked to drop into coverage, where, as you can see in the video below, his playmaking chops shined through there, as well. Enjoying a second breakout campaign similar in some ways to the one Jared Verse enjoyed at Florida State (after beginning his college career at Albany), Howell is currently leading the SEC with 7.5 sacks. The tape proves that he’s no fluke. Howell is quick off the snap, surprisingly powerful and highly instinctive. Perhaps no prospect in the country has boosted his grade more over the first two months of the 2025 season than Howell, showing the same kind of relentless motor that has helped Verse quickly emerge into a star with the Rams.) (10-23-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-ranking-10-best-defensive-players-next-years-class

Arkansas will face unstoppable destructive force in Howell Saturday (10-17-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arkansas/football/razorbacks-face-unstoppable-destructive-force-in-texas-a-m-s-cashius-howell-sec

Fernando Mendoza or Jeremiah Smith For Heisman? Joel Klatt's 1st Half CFB Award Winners (Bednarik Award (best defensive player) Candidates - Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M.  Howell's also tremendous. If you haven't seen Texas A&M play defense, it's playing as well as anybody out there and its third-down defense might be historic. In its last three games, Texas A&M's opponents are 2-of-33 on third down, with Howell playing a big role in that. He's got eight sacks this season.) (10-15-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/fernando-mendoza-jeremiah-smith-heisman-joel-klatts-1st-half-cfb-award-winners

2026 NFL Draft – Stock Report (Up - Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M:  Howell has been phenomenal this season and has been one of the most effective quarterback hunters. Against Florida last Saturday, Howell did not produce a prolific stat line, but he put a ton of pressure on D.J. Lagway. This season, he has eight sacks and 13 tackles with two passes batted. The 6-foot-2, 248-pound Howell is fast off the edge with a repertoire of pass-rushing moves. Howell’s size might make him an odd fit as a linebacker/defensive end, but his production of getting after the quarterback is going to make him an early-round pick next April.) (10-14-25):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_07.php

PFSN Midseason All-SEC Football Team Headlined by Ty Simpson, Mansoor Delane (PFSN All-SEC Football First Team - EDGE: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M) (10-14-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-midseason-all-sec-football-team/

Here is everything we learned after Texas A&M's 34-17 win over Florida (Cashius Howell is playing like the most feared pass rusher in the country - Yes, we all know about Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr.. Still, Cashius Howell is looking like the best pass rusher in college football through six games, already producing eight sacks, including his one sack against Florida on Saturday night.  Not all sacks are created equal, and against the Gators, Howell was winning nearly every one-on-one matchup vs. Florida left tackle Austin Barber, chasing quarterback DJ Lagway throughout the night.  Howell's ability to bend and pursue has NFL scouts salivating over landing the former Bowling Green standout in the early rounds, as they now know he has the skillset to dominate against the best college football has to offer.) (10-12-25):  https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/aggies/football/2025/10/12/texas-aggies-football-florida-five-takeaways-week-7/86657053007/

College Football Week 7: Team of the Week, Player Awards (SEC Team of the Week - EDGE: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M) (10-12-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Edge Defender (8. Cashius Howell) (10-9-25):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-edge-defender-rueben-bain-jr-keldric-faulk-tj-parker

Texas A&M football star Cashius Howell on pace for all-time great season in Aggie history (10-9-25):  https://247sports.com/college/texas-am/article/texas-am-football-star-cashius-howell-on-pace-for-all-time-great-season-in-aggie-history-256001489/

Texas A&M Aggies' Spotlight Player of the Week: Cashius Howell (10-8-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/texas-am-aggies-spotlight-player-of-the-week-cashius-howell

Two Wide Receivers Among Prospects Who Improved Their 2026 NFL Draft Stock in Week 6 (Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M:  Howell’s redshirt senior season went from good to great Saturday, as he registered three sacks in the Aggies’ 31–9 win over Mississippi State. Howell now has seven sacks, the second-most in the FBS, to go along with eight tackles for loss. Undersized at 6' 2" and 248 pounds, Howell lacks the traditional build of an every-down edge player at the next level. But he’s quick, explosive and a reliable finisher, and he’s played his way firmly into the Day 2 picture.) (10-7-25):  https://www.si.com/two-wide-receivers-among-prospects-who-improved-2026-nfl-draft-stock-week-6


College Football Week 6: Team of the Week, Player Awards (SEC Team of the Week - EDGE: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M) (10-5-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-6-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

Here is everything we learned from Texas A&M's 31-9 win over Mississippi State (Senior Edge Cashius Howell has lived up to his lofty expectations - Throughout the 2025 offseason, the departure of starting edge rushers Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, who were both selected in the first and second rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, led to the question, "Who will lead Texas A&M's pass rush in 2025?"  The answer? Senior edge Cashius Howell, who, after recording four sacks in a rotation role last season, now leads the team with seven sacks, which is more than Scourton and Stewart had combined in 2024. After recording three sacks in the win over Utah State, Howell was relatively quiet before breaking out once again against Auburn with one sack.  In comparison, his three sacks on Saturday night were even more impressive amid an elite defensive performance. Howell's speed and fluid pass-rush style make him a first or second-day draft selection if this type of play continues.) (10-5-25):  https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/aggies/football/2025/10/05/texas-aggies-football-mississippi-state-five-takeaways-week-6/86533370007/

Instant analysis on how Texas A&M's pass rush helped subdue Mississippi State (Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (three sacks) had been beating both Mississippi State offensive tackles all game long but the Bulldogs didn't seem to be paying attention in terms of their play calling. They asked quarterback Blake Shapen to keep holding the ball even while Howell was winning those battles. They went to the well once too often when Howell hit Shapen's arm and his fluttered downfield where it was picked off by Daymion Sanford. It set the Aggies' offense up in solid field position and they scored their first touchdown six plays later. It turned the game around (maybe more slowly than what A&M fans would have wanted) but it was the starting point in a 28-0 run in the Aggies 31-9 win.  It wasn't the first possession that the Bulldogs struggled with their protections, and it wouldn't be the last. In fact, they gave up two sacks on their opening drive, one when Sanford came in on a run blitz and the center passed him off to no one. Howell picked up another on third and long on that opening series as well. Shapen (seven sacks for 36 yards) was so frustrated after the interception that he yelled at his offensive linemen on the bench after the play but since they surrendered another sack after that meant that physical ability and scheme played a bigger role than emotion.) (10-4-25):  https://247sports.com/college/texas-am/article/instant-analysis-on-how-texas-a-ms-pass-rush-helped-subdue-mississippi-state-255483820/

Texas A&M football takeaways include Cashius Howell becoming a star and Aggies' penalties continue (Cashius Howell is special.  Just call Howell the drive-ender. The former Bowling Green star had two first-half sacks that helped stymie MSU possessions, one of which came on third down. He also had a key third-down sack in last week's narrow win over Auburn.  Howell now has six sacks, which would have led the team last season. He also picked up a pass deflection that turned into an interception. Saturday is the sixth multi-sack game of his career and his first since last month when he had three against Utah State.) (10-4-25):  https://www.statesman.com/sports/college/aggies/article/cashius-howell-marcel-reed-texas-am-21084732.php

Stock up, stock down for top 25 NFL Draft prospects: Rueben Bain Jr. soaring, Arch Manning needs time (19. Texas A&M DE Cashius Howell - Stock: Level.  New range: Early Day 2.  I knew I was high with my ranking on Howell and that he was always going to have an uphill climb to be a first-rounder with sub-31-inch arms. Watch him rush the passer this season, though, and it's hard to not see him at least being effective in that regard in the league. Someone will give him a shot to be a designated pass rusher on Day 2.) (9-30-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/stock-up-stock-down-for-top-25-nfl-draft-prospects-rueben-bain-jr-soaring-arch-manning-needs-time/

Exclusive Data Shows Texas A&M Among College Football’s Elite Defenses After Week 5 Performance (Cashius Howell continues to be a cog in the machine for this Texas A&M defense. Of 353 defenders with over 75 pass-rushing snaps this year, Howell ranks 19th in pressure percentage at 18.4%. His 9.7% sack rate also ranks 24th.) (9-29-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/exclusive-texas-am-college-footballs-elite-defenses-after-week5/

2026 NFL Draft – Stock Report (Up - Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M:  Howell had three productive seasons at Bowling Green, including 9.5 sacks in the 2023 season. Thus far, Howell has played well for the Aggies in 2025, and Howell had a span of three plays for three sacks against Utah State in Week 2. He was active and disruptive against Notre Dame in Week 3. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder has some size limitations for the NFL, but he is playing well and could be a riser for the 2026 NFL Draft.) (9-16-25):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_03.php

2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Edge Rusher Overview (Cashius Howell, Texas A&M - Strengths:  Shows competitiveness in run defense.  Will maximize his arm length in bull-rush and long-arm pass rushes.  Shows good “pop” at contact when he fires his hands up and into OL's chest.  Displays a variety of pass-rush moves with quick hands.  Weaknesses:  Has a false step out of his 2-point stance that can be cleaned up.  Limited flexibility to change direction and corner.  Scouting Summary:  Howell is a bit undersized overall for edge rushers in the NFL, but when you limit the percentile to just outside linebackers, his size checks out. He's a competitive player in both the run and pass game, and as the 2024 season went on, he became more confident with a variety of pass-rush moves — including a nasty inside spin counter. He has a false step that can be cleaned up that can make him even faster out of his stance, but he does seem to wield limited flexibility to threaten the outside shoulder with speed. Even in his current form, he's a rotational edge option for a 3-4 front as an outside linebacker.) (9-16-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-summer-scouting-edge-rusher-overview

2026 NFL Draft: Early Stock Report On Top Prospects, Sleepers (Sikkema was also impressed by Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell, who announced his presence with authority last week against Utah State, getting himself a hat trick of sacks on three straight pays to single-handedly end a drive.  “I’ve never seen that before in my life, at any level,” Sikkema said. “Think of all of the great edge rushers who have played cupcake schools over the course of college football (history), right? I’ve never seen any of them get three sacks in a row. Ever.”) (9-11-25):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-early-stock-report-arch-manning-rueben-bain-jr-cashius-howell-taylen-green

Texas A&M Aggies Player Spotlight of the Week: Cashius Howell (9-11-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/texas-am-aggies-player-spotlight-of-the-week-cashius-howell

College Football Week 3 Preview: Storylines, matchups and predictions for the biggest games (the Irish have to contend with edge defender Cassius Howell, who has earned an 86.6 PFF pass-rush grade while tallying eight pressures and three sacks in his first two games.) (9-11-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-3-preview-storylines-matchups-and-predictions-for-the-biggest-games

Texas A&M DE Cashius Howell Earns Award After Impressive 3-Sack Drive (9-9-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/texas-am-de-cashius-howell-earns-award-after-impressive-3-sack-drive

Video - Analyzing the tape on Cashius Howell's three sacks in a row (9-9-25):  https://www.secsports.com/videos/2025/09/analyzing-the-tape-on-cashius-howells-three-sacks-in-a-row


Ranking the SEC's five best defenders after Week 2: Where is LSU's Mansoor Delane? (2. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M DE:  Howell has a strong case to be No. 1 on this list after what he did last week, but I want to wait until he plays a Power Four offensive line first. But vs. Utah State, Howell sacked the quarterback three times on one drive. The physical tools are evident and he's making a strong case to be a top-15 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Howell began his career at Bowling Green, but looks the part of an SEC defensive end.) (9-9-25):  https://lsutigerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/lsu/football/2025/09/09/lsu-football-week-2-rankings-georgia-auburn-mansoor-delane/86050637007/

Texas A&M's Cashius Howell Reflects on Rare Performance (9-8-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/texas-am-cashius-howell-reflects-rare-performance

Marcel Reed's four touchdowns lead No. 19 Texas A&M to 44-22 win over Utah State (Texas A&M’s defense dominated in that stretch, led by defensive end Cashius Howell, who sacked Bryson Barnes on three consecutive plays to single-handedly force a punt in the second quarter. It’s the first time a player has had sacks on three straight plays since Jack Cichy did it for Wisconsin against Southern California in the 2015 Holiday Bowl, according to research by the Texas A&M communications staff.) (9-6-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/cfb/marcel-reeds-four-touchdowns-lead-no-19-texas-am-to-4422-win-over-utah-state

Texas A&M football: Inside Cashius Howell's historic 3-sack run against Utah State (9-6-25):  https://www.statesman.com/sports/college/aggies/article/cashius-howell-texas-am-aggies-cfb-sec-utah-state-21034486.php

Texas A&M's Cashius Howell sacks Utah State QB three times in a row (9-6-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/cfb/texas-ams-cashius-howell-sacks-utah-state-qb-three-times-in-a-row

PFSN’s Top 100 College Football Players for 2025: Can Anyone Stop Ohio State Sensation Jeremiah Smith? (51. Cashius Howell | EDGE Texas A&M Aggies:  After dominating defenses in the Mid-American Conference for three years as a member of the Bowling Green Falcons, including leading the conference in sacks in 2023, Cashius Howell transferred to the Texas A&M Aggies and saw very little drop-off in performance despite the perceived step up to the SEC. His 85.2 PFSN College EDGE+ grade ranks sixth among returning pass rushers for the 2025 season.  In addition to nine tackles for loss and four sacks in his SEC debut, Howell snagged an interception, seven pass breakups, and one forced fumble, demonstrating an ability to impact the game in all phases. No other returning edge player had more splash plays (nine) than Howell a year ago, and his twitch, power, and electric spin move make him a handful to contain.) (8-20-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-top-100-players-2025/

Top 25 Returning College Football Edge Rushers: Colin Simmons, T.J. Parker Lead a Dominant Group (25. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M - 2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 85.21 (B).  There’s been plenty of discussion surrounding Texas A&M’s defensive line this offseason. With the departures of Shemar Stewart, Shemar Turner, and Nic Scourton, many think the Aggies will regress up front. That could not be further from the case.  Cashius Howell came to College Station from Bowling Green, so naturally, there were concerns about his ability to elevate his game to the SEC level. In his first season as a rotational player, he produced 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. No, he’s the full-time starter and ready to tear up the SEC.) (8-4-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/top-college-football-edge-rushers-2025/

Renner's NFL Draft position rankings: Top edge rushers (Howell - Player type: Speed-rushing 3-4 outside linebacker.  Room for improvement: Setting the edge.  Early grade: Late day 1/early day 2.  Ask any scout and they'll say that tape against elite competition at the collegiate level carries more weight than pretty much any other part of the evaluation process. Even though it was only a handful of reps, what Cashius Howell did to No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell last fall was enough to open my eyes.  Obviously, it wasn't only those plays that earned him this ranking. He's been one of the most effective pass-rushers in college football on a snap-for-snap basis the past two seasons across Bowling Green and Texas A&M. He's a twitchy edge rusher who knows how to get opposing offensive linemen off balance. He's got outstanding body control to make his strike zone small and avoid contact.  The reason he's still in college is because he played third fiddle to two defensive ends who went in the top two rounds last spring in Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton. Once both left and Howell got the start against USC in the bowl game, he had a dominant seven-pressure performance. With a clear runway to a full-time role this fall, Howell should put up gaudy numbers in the SEC.) (7-28-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/renners-2026-nfl-draft-summer-edge-rankings-if-you-need-some-oomph-from-your-pass-rush-look-no-further/

Texas A&M football: 5 most important Aggies players on defense in 2025 (Cashius Howell, defensive line - As the two starting defensive ends for the Aggies in 2024, NFL draft picks Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart left a gap for Cashius Howell to fill. According to Pro Football Focus, Howell finished 2024 with the Aggies' highest pass-rush grade (87.5) and with one fewer sack (three) than Scourton despite having 185 pass-rushing snaps compared to Scourton's team-leading 318.  There is reason to believe that Howell was already A&M's top pure pass rusher last season. If he can be the star A&M hopes, that could take pressure off the linebackers and defensive backs.) (7-28-25):  https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/college/aggies/2025/07/10/texas-a-m-football-5-most-important-aggies-players-on-defense-in-2025/84530112007/

2026 NFL Draft: Preseason edge defender rankings (11. CASHIUS HOWELL, TEXAS A&M:  Howell didn’t get as much playing time last season as he could have elsewhere, as he was fighting for snaps with 2025 NFL Draft picks Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton. But he ended up earning the highest PFF pass-rush grade of the trio (91.4).  At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Howell has adequate size to be versatile in odd and even fronts as a stand-up or three-point edge player, though he seems to do his best work as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He has good pop at contact to excel in run defense, as well. It’s really just about putting it all together on a full-time snap count.) (7-18-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-preseason-edge-defender-rankings

Texas A&M senior ranked as one of the top returning Edge rushers per Pro Football Focus (7-7-25):  https://sports.yahoo.com/article/texas-m-senior-ranked-one-103055187.html

2026 NFL draft: Ranking top five prospects at every position (Player outside of the top five to watch: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M. The Bowling Green transfer had to wait his turn in 2024 behind Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton. But with both of those guys now in the NFL, it's Howell's turn to lead the Aggies' defensive front. He provided a glimpse of his potential in his only start last season, with five tackles, a sack and an interception in the Las Vegas Bowl. Continuing that production would put Howell among the top players in another loaded group of edge rushers. -- Reid) (6-20-25):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/45532124/nfl-draft-2026-top-five-every-position-players-watch



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