FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cashius Howell
Cashius Howell (EDGE – Texas A&M)
6’2″ – 248 lbs.
Background
Originally attended Bowling Green, where he played sparingly in 2021 and rotated in for 189 snaps in 2022 (22-2.5-2.0) before stepping into a starting role the following year (28-10.5-9.5). Then transferred to the Aggies, where he’s been playing the past two seasons. Rotated in heavily (485 snaps) in 2024, posting 40-8.5-4.0, then broke out in a starting role this past year, with a 31-14.0-11.5 line.
Positives
Two-year starter and four-year contributor who made 2025 by far his most impressive season. Exhibits a strong motor, including on rushing downs. Plays a bit stronger than expected, mostly because of his stable base and effective knee bend, which help with contact balance. Has the first step and overall suddenness to threaten gaps at the snap, which can create early-down disruption. Uses his hands well to keep blockers out of his pads. Doesn’t two-gap as much, but shows good extension and awareness there. Excellent first step explosiveness and playing speed allow him to consistently threaten the edge as a pass-rusher. Does a nice job of changing pace and getting opposing tackles to freeze or miss with their punches. Dips his shoulder very well (timing/flexibility here may be his best trait) and might bend the smoothest edge in the class. Doesn’t need to gear down as he turns the corner, allowing him to finish rushes effectively; can use a rip move if needed. Mixes up his rush approach to keep blockers guessing; has a sudden inside move, and also works in a spin relatively frequently. Plays the throwing lanes well and has batted thirteen passes over the past two seasons. Dropped into coverage a bit more often than many of the top edges in the class and has a nice athletic profile for that role.
Negatives
A bit older than some of his peers after spending five years in school. Still filling out his frame, which is a bit on the thin side so far, and may not have an ideal body type/physical profile for some even fronts. Arm length is reportedly on the short side for his position. Rush-first approach can sometimes undermine the team’s run fits a little bit. Tends to work around rather than through blockers, which doesn’t always produce the most efficient pursuit angles. Doesn’t have much of a power element to his game.
Summary
Perhaps the most impressive speed rusher in the class, he combines an explosive first step with excellent speed and flexibility, allowing him to dip his shoulder around the corner and wreak havoc in the passing game. While he might not be the most scheme-versatile player in the class (doesn’t look like the best fit for a two-gap front and/or even front), there’s a dynamism and artistry to his game which could make him very dangerous as a stand-up edge rusher in an aggressive odd front. That could make him a first-round pick, although poor measurements could potentially drop him a bit.
Projection: Round 1-2
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