Cashius Howell

NFL Draft Profile: Cashius Howell

Position: EDGE / Outside Linebacker | School: Texas A&M (via Bowling Green)

Class: Redshirt Senior | Height: 6'3" | Weight: 250 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher (Speed Rusher)

College Career Summary

Cashius Howell’s path to the NFL is defined by elite production across two different conferences. After three seasons at Bowling Green, where he led the MAC with 9.5 sacks in 2023, Howell transferred to Texas A&M to prove his traits against SEC competition. In 2025, he did exactly that, emerging as the premier "closer" for the Aggies' defense. Howell finished his senior campaign tied for second in the nation in sacks (12.0) and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. His ability to win with a diverse "bag" of finesse moves—including a lethal inside spin and cross-chop—offset concerns about his lack of traditional length. He leaves college with 27.0 career sacks, having established himself as one of the most technical and explosive speed rushers in the 2026 class.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 43 (13 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 127 (31 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 35.5 (14.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 27.0 (12.0 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 15 (6 in 2025)

• Career High: Set a school record at Bowling Green with 6.0 sacks in a single game.

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Notre Dame	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Immediate impact; beat a highly-touted LT for a sack.
vs. Utah State	3 Tkl, 3.0 Sk	A+	Season Best. Three consecutive sacks in one drive.
@ Florida	4 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B	Solid in containment; high Stamina in humid conditions.
vs. Arkansas	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Explosive Acceleration off the snap; forced a hurry.
vs. Missouri	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Constant pressure; win with a refined inside spin move.
@ Mississippi St.	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sk, 3 PD	A	Total disruption; used hands to bat down 3 passes.
vs. LSU	1 Tkl, 1 PD	B-	Neutralized by heavy chipping but stayed disciplined.
@ South Carolina	4 Tkl, 1 QBH	B	High Motor in pursuit; tracked down plays from backside.
vs. New Mex. St.	2 Tkl, 1 PD	B	Played limited snaps; efficient with his reps.
@ Auburn	5 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1 Sk	A	Competitor drive; dominated the 4th quarter.
vs. Texas	6 Tkl, 2.5 TFL, 1 FF	A+	The Game. Career-high TFLs; forced a critical fumble.
Bowl: vs. USC	5 Tkl, 1.0 Sk, 1 INT	A	Star impact; recorded his first career interception.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• First-Step Explosiveness: Howell has a "lightning-quick" get-off. His Acceleration puts tackles in immediate conflict, forcing them to over-set and opening up his inside counters.

• Pass Rush Tool Bag: Unlike many speed rushers, Howell has a deep repertoire. He chains moves together effortlessly, using cross-chops, ghost moves, and a savvy inside spin.

• Technical IQ: His Play Recognition is elite. He understands tackle sets and exploits weight-distribution flaws mid-rep.

• Coverage Versatility: Surprisingly comfortable dropping into space; his basketball background shows in his fluid hips and ability to mirror TEs.

Weaknesses

• Measurable Red Flag: Howell possesses historically short arms (sub-31 inches). This is a "hot-button" issue; larger NFL tackles may be able to lock him out if they land their punch first.

• Anchor Strength: At 250 lbs, he is a "lean" edge. He can be washed out of the hole by heavy "down blocks" and struggle against double-teams in the run game.

• Block Deconstruction: Because of his lack of length, he can get "stuck" on blocks if he doesn't win with his initial move, leading him to rely on pure High Motor rather than leverage.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-4 stand-up Outside Linebacker or a Designated Pass Rusher (DPR) in a 4-3 Wide-9 system.

NFL Comparison: Bryce Huff / Alex Highsmith

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 16/20 | Attributes: 19/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 18/20 Final Grade: 91/100

Cashius Howell is one of the most polarizing prospects in the class. On one hand, his Pass Rush production in the SEC is undeniable—he is a natural-born sack artist with the best "bend" in the draft. On the other hand, his arm length will keep some "old school" GMs away. However, in today’s NFL, where sub-package pass rushing is a premium, Howell’s ability to win on 3rd down is worth a high investment. He is a "Star" waiting to happen in a system that allows him to pin his ears back and attack the corner.

Draft Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd Round (Positional value and SEC production will likely push him into the top 40).