Cashius Howell is a 6 ‘2, 253-pound edge defender from Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri who began his college career at Bowling Green State University from 2021 to 2023 before transferring to Texas A&M for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He developed into one of the top defensive players in the country during his time with the Aggies and became the centerpiece of their pass rush in 2025. Howell earned Unanimous All-American honors, was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and received First-Team All-SEC recognition. He also finished as a finalist for several major defensive awards, including the Lombardi Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy. During the 2025 season, he produced 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 41 quarterback pressures while consistently impacting opposing passing games. Prior to transferring, Howell earned Third-Team All-MAC honors at Bowling Green in 2023, showing steady development as a pass rusher before elevating his play against SEC competition. He played in multiple defensive fronts at Texas A&M and aligned both on the edge and in wider pass-rush alignments. Howell remained durable throughout his college career and did not miss significant time due to injury. His production, versatility, and high-level recognition established him as one of the top edge defenders in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Athletically, Howell possesses a long, athletic frame with good functional movement skills for the edge position. His first-step burst is one of his defining traits, allowing him to threaten tackles immediately after the snap. His short-area acceleration stands out, highlighted by a 1.58-second ten-yard split that ranked first among defensive ends at the NFL Combine. Howell combines that burst with good straight-line speed for his size, recording a 4.59 forty-yard dash. His quickness and flexibility allow him to change direction efficiently and close space rapidly while pursuing the quarterback. He shows strong lateral mobility and fluid movement patterns that translate well to wide pass-rush alignments. Mentally, Howell plays with a competitive and energetic style that reflects a strong motor and consistent effort throughout the game. He processes offensive blocking schemes quickly and adjusts his rush angles to attack leverage points against offensive tackles. His recognition skills allow him to react effectively to both pass and run looks, and he maintains strong play speed because of his urgency and effort. Howell’s mindset and toughness help him stay active throughout each play while maintaining the intensity needed for a high-volume pass rusher.
As a pass rusher, Howell displays a versatile skill set built around speed, bend, and active hands. His get-off allows him to win early in the rep and stress the edge of the pocket, while his flexibility helps him flatten and turn the corner toward the quarterback. He shows a variety of pass-rush tools, including cross-chop techniques, hand swipes, and speed rushes that allow him to defeat offensive tackles in multiple ways. His hand usage is active and technically sound, allowing him to win hand battles and disengage from blockers during rush attempts. Howell’s run defense reflects effort and awareness, and he shows the ability to recognize run concepts and finish tackles when in position. His anchor strength continues to develop against power blockers, and added strength will help him hold the edge more consistently. Howell also brings versatility by dropping into zone coverage on occasion and moving fluidly in space. Overall, he projects as an explosive edge defender with high-level pass-rush tools, strong effort, and the athletic traits needed to impact an NFL defensive front.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit
Cashius Howell projects best as an EDGE in a 3–4 defensive scheme where he can play as a stand-up outside linebacker and maximize his burst and bend as a pass rusher. His explosiveness, get-off, and ability to occasionally drop into coverage fit well in pressure-heavy defenses that use wide alignments and hybrid fronts. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Buffalo Bills are strong fits because they value speed off the edge and use versatile pass rushers in aggressive defensive schemes.
NFL Player Comp: Yannick Ngakoue
Cashius Howell has a similar play style to Yannick Ngakoue as a speed-based edge rusher who wins with burst, bend, and active hands. Both players rely on quick get-off and flexibility to pressure the quarterback rather than overpowering offensive tackles with strength. Howell also shows a comparable role as a rotational pass rusher early in his career who can impact passing downs. His athletic profile and pass-rush skill set project well as an edge defender who creates pressure through speed and technique.
Projection: Low End Starter
Cashius Howell projects as a rotational pass rusher early in his NFL career who can contribute immediately in obvious passing situations. His burst, bend, and pass-rush tools give him the ability to create pressure off the edge and develop into a starting defender with continued growth. Improved strength and consistency against the run will help expand his role on early downs. With development, Howell has the traits to become a productive starting EDGE in the league.
Grade and Round Projection: 5.4 – Good | Round 1
Cashius Howell earns a 5.4 grade based on his film, showing good overall ability with very good burst, bend, and pass-rush tools. His elite get-off and closing speed allow him to consistently threaten the edge and generate pressure on quarterbacks. While his run defense and strength at the point of attack still need development, his motor and versatility provide strong upside. He projects as a late Round 1 pick who can contribute early as a rotational pass rusher and develop into a starting EDGE defender.
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