Cashius Howell is an edge rusher and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who played his final two seasons at Texas A&M after beginning his collegiate career at Bowling Green. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Howell was a three-star recruit in the 2021 class who signed with the Falcons and developed into one of the MAC's best pass rushers, recording a conference-leading 9.5 sacks as a redshirt sophomore in 2023. He transferred to Texas A&M for 2024 and played behind NFL Draft selections Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, still managing 40 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 9.0 tackles for loss, an interception, and seven passes defended while earning significant pre-draft attention from evaluators. His 2025 senior season was dominant, as he led the SEC in sacks with 11.5 while recording 41 total pressures and earning unanimous All-American honors, first-team All-SEC recognition, and a finalist spot for the Bednarik Award as Texas A&M reached the College Football Playoff. His career totals include 127 tackles and 27 sacks across multiple programs.
Measuring 6 feet 2 inches and 248 to 253 pounds with a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the combine, Howell is one of the most technically advanced pass rushers in the class, combining elite explosiveness off the line with good bend, a well-developed spin move, and the ability to chain rushes through multiple counters before a tackle can anchor. His coverage ability is a rare and genuine asset, as he has demonstrated comfort dropping into zones and matching tight ends and backs in ways that give defensive coordinators real flexibility in pressure packages. The significant concern that emerged at the combine is his 30 1/4-inch arm length, among the shortest ever measured for an edge rusher, which leaves him at a structural disadvantage against NFL offensive tackles who can negate his first-step advantage by getting into his chest early. His anchor and run-stopping ability are similarly limited by his lean frame. He projects as a Day 1 to early Day 2 selection as a high-end designated pass rusher whose ceiling as a three-down player depends entirely on how teams scheme around his physical limitations.
