Texas A&M's Cashius Howell is one of the top edge defender prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, with explosiveness that jumps off the tape, and production that's sure to turn heads in draft rooms across the league. His ability to wreck opposing offenses as a pass rusher could get him selected in the first round, even in a loaded class at the position.
Here's everything NFL fans need to know about Howell heading into this year's draft:
Cashius Howell's Vitals
Height: 6-2
Weight: 248
Age: 23
Cashius Howell's Strengths
Every NFL defense wants an edge rusher who can single-handedly take over a game, and Howell has proven he can do just that (go watch him get sacks on first, second, and third down of the same drive vs. Utah State). He’s explosive off the ball, and has a wide range of moves at his disposal, with the ability to win with speed just as effectively as he can with power. He’s also a polished technician who uses his hands to effectively execute those initial moves and counters, keeping opposing blockers guessing on a snap-to-snap basis. His first-step burst can force blockers to start oversetting him with too much depth, and he’s adept at waiting for that to happen so he can beat them with an inside counter to the quarterback.
Cashius Howell's Weaknesses
Howell still needs a ton of work as a run defender, as he lacks the functional strength to anchor effectively and set a strong edge on the ground. His frame would suggest a strong fit in 3-4 base schemes that can mitigate his lack of ideal size, but Howell doesn’t have a proven track record of being able to drop into coverage, which would limit his impact in that outside linebacker role. Nearly half of his sack production in 2025 came in two games (Utah State, Mississippi State), and he was shut out against Texas and Miami to finish the season, which could lead to questions about his level of competition.
Final Analysis
There’s plenty of evidence that Howell can be a dominant pass rusher at the next level, but there’s also the risk that he could turn out to be a one-trick pony who doesn’t ascend above a situational role in passing situations. If he can develop some versatility, both in coverage and as a run defender, it would raise his ceiling as a potential every-down player, but his pass-rushing chops are likely to be enough to warrant first-round consideration.
