2026 NFL Scouting Report: Cashius Howell

Prospect Summary:

Howell started out his career at Bowling Green, playing three seasons and totaling 11.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, and 56 tackles in that time. Howell transferred to Texas A&M in 2024 and started out his career with the Aggies as a backup. In 2025, Howell had a breakout season to close out his collegiate career as he totaled 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 31 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, and six passes batted.

There is no doubt Howell is a dangerous pass rusher off the edge. He is fast with a quick first step to get upfield and the ability to accelerate around the corner. To go along with his being fast, Howell is very bendy with no hint of stiffness. He can get low to duck underneath tackles, as Howell is very athletic, showing the skills to sink his hips and redirect. With his speed and fluidity, offensive tackles are in trouble when there is space for Howell to work with, as he is adept at dodging blockers. As a pro, Howell could be a dangerous edge rusher and quarterback hunter with the sheer speed to blow by tackles around the corner.

While Howell is an effective rusher, he has problems as a run defender for the NFL. Howell is undersized as he lacks the height and weight to be a pro edge defender. In the ground game, Howell can get covered up and pushed around. He is also not very physical as a defender and needs to get stronger to take on pro offensive linemen.

In the NFL, Howell will probably start out as a DPR (designated pass rusher). To become a three-down starter, Howell is going to have to get much tougher defending the run. In obvious passing situations, Howell could be a nice contributing edge rusher to get pressure on the quarterback.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, Howell looks like a late first-round or early second-round pick. Check out my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see where Howell is projected.