NFL Draft Prospect Profile: EDGE Cashius Howell

Overview  

Cashius Howell is a 23-year-old, five-year collegiate edge rusher out of Texas A&M. Howell was not largely recruited out of high school, having few offers from schools such as Bowling Green, Arkansas State, Wyoming, Ball State, Akron, and Central Michigan. He chose Bowling Green and made an impact in his sophomore year after redshirting his freshman season. In 2023, Howell racked up 27 total tackles, one forced fumble, and 9.5 sacks with the Falcons before transferring to the SEC.  

In Howell’s first season at Texas A&M, he put up his most tackles with 40 total, along with seven pass deflections, a forced fumble, an interception, and four sacks as he played a hybrid role in the Aggies defense. In 2025, he had a breakout season, finishing with 31 total tackles, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, 41 QB pressures, and 11.5 sacks. Howell earned himself unanimous All-American honors along with the SEC naming him Defensive Player of the Year, and being a finalist for the Ted Hendricks, Lombardi, Bednarik, and Nagurski awards. 

Strengths  

• Has the ability to beat tackles off the line of scrimmage with his first step.  

• Natural flexibility with great bend off the edge.  

• Utilizes spin move to beat offensive tackles when overcommitting.  

• Quick get off through the B gap, allows him to collapse the pocket and disrupt a play.  

• Good pursuit and change of direction, allowing him to track down plays.  

• Gets his hands up at the line of scrimmage when he does not get to the QB; 15 pass deflections in college.  

Weaknesses  

• Arm length measured 30 ¼ at the Combine, which is short for his position, third shortest in history of edge rushers.  

• Has a smaller, more compact frame which allows power blockers to knock him off course. 

• Drops his helmet on first impact when against the run, loses sight of the ball carrier.  

Draft Projection  

Cashius Howell is a projected first-round to early second-round pick in the 2026 draft. Howell has been highly mocked to Buffalo at pick 26, looking to improve the Bills defensive line room and add a versatile presence off the edge. With Brandon Beane going out and singing veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal in free agency, a rookie acquisition like Howell could develop well under Chubb and eventually make a long-term impact for Buffalo.  

When you turn on the film, his production speaks for itself. The arm-length questions might arise, but it’s clear that Howell is a game-changer. He has proven that he can wreck a game in the SEC.