Cashius Howell

EDGE·Texas A&M
RS Senior·6'4"·245 lbs

Consensus

Derived from 2 independent scout reports + combine measurables.

75.5
Composite Score
Pick 45-62
Projected Pick
79.0
Film
-3.0
Combine
-0.5
Age

Scout Reports

Scout 1Primary Analysis76 / 100

CASHIUS HOWELL — EDGE | Texas A&M | Senior (2026 Draft)

DynastySignal Scouting Report



1. The Short Version


Cashius Howell is one of the more exciting pure pass rushers in the 2026 draft class — a twitchy, explosive edge rusher with an elite first step, a world-class dip move, and the kind of instinctive rush creativity that doesn't get coached in. He transferred from Bowling Green (MAC) and erupted for 11.5 sacks in his senior season at Texas A&M, posting a 90.3 PFF pass rush grade against SEC competition. The case against him is equally clear: he has a 3.1% run-stop rate, has never lined up in the A or B gap in three years of tracked data, and opponents can legitimately scheme him off the field in short-yardage situations. The ceiling is a disruptive every-down EDGE starter; the floor is a valuable third-down specialist who rearranges opposing offensive line matchups.



2. Measurables & Background


| Attribute | Detail |

|---|---|

| Name | Cashius Howell |

| Position | EDGE / DE |

| School | Texas A&M (transfer from Bowling Green) |

| Class | Senior (2026 draft eligible) |

| Height | ~6'2" (estimated from film; combine TBD) |

| Weight | ~240–245 lbs (estimated from film; combine TBD) |

| Age | TBD (confirmed combine) |

| 2025 TFL / Sacks | 14.0 TFL / 11.5 sacks (13 G) |

| Career Sacks | 27.0 (56 G, Bowling Green + Texas A&M) |

| PFF Pass Rush Grade (2025) | 90.3 |

| PFF Run Defense Grade (2025) | 73.6 |

| Pass Rush Win Rate | 19.9% |

| True Pass Set Pass Rush Grade | 86.5 |

| Run-Stop Rate | 3.1% |

| Hometown / HS | TBD |

| Recruited / Transfer | Bowling Green (MAC, 2021–2023) → Texas A&M (SEC, 2024–2025) |



3. Film Sources Reviewed


| Source | Prefix | Frames | Key Content |

|---|---|---|---|

| The NFL Film Room — Cashius Howell College Football Highlights | Texas A&M Edge | NFL Draft Film (4:40) | `film_` | 18 | Live broadcast game footage vs. LSU, Auburn, South Carolina, Missouri, BYU; pre-snap alignments, pass rush sequences, pursuit angles; ESPN/SEC on ABC broadcast overlays showing game situations |

| The Draft Hub — 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: EDGE/OLB Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) (4:37) | `broadcast_` | 18 | Profile footage; player intros (Texas A&M pregame); game action in maroon and white alternates; sideline and field shots; celebration moments |

| The Scrambling Armchair — 2026 NFL DRAFT: CASHIUS HOWELL IS SUDDEN: Cashius Howell Scouting Report, EDGE, Texas A&M (15:09) | `highlights_` | 19 | Full written scouting breakdown with PFF comparables (Pass Rush Grade 90.3, Run Defense Grade 73.6, Pass Rush Win Rate 19.9%, Run-Stop Rate 3.1%); Snaps by Alignment table (2023–2025); career stats table (CFBRef); game film stills vs. LSU showing dip move; written analysis including Robert Mathis NFL comp |



4. What The Film Shows


Pass Rush Moves — **A / Elite**


This is Howell's calling card and it isn't close. His dip-and-rip around the edge is as clean as you'll see at the college level — he keeps both hands free as he bends, which means he's not fighting through a tackle's grip while he corners (highlights_003, highlights_005). That's a technical achievement. Most speed rushers get their inside hand swallowed; Howell avoids that by timing his lean and hip dip to slip underneath the punch before the blocker can grab cloth.


But the "whole bag" description from the scouting notes is backed up on film. He's not a one-move rusher. Film frames from the LSU game (film_001, film_002) show him operating from multiple rush angles — the pure speed arc, a quick inside counter off the speed threat, and what appears to be a push-pull move when he senses the tackle over-setting to contain the edge. His 86.5 True Pass Set Pass Rush Grade (highlights_001) is the key number — that grade is exclusive to pure pass-rush situations, isolating him from run downs. It's elite.


His 90.3 overall pass rush grade and 19.9% pass rush win rate (highlights_001, highlights_002) rank near the top of all college EDGEs in 2025. This is a pass rusher who wins, and wins against SEC competition — not MAC padding.


Concern within the grade: His arms can get wild. The analyst notes this explicitly (highlights_007), and you can see it in some of the film frames where his follow-through after winning the edge gets sloppy. At the NFL level, tackles who win with hands will exploit this if he doesn't tighten up his rip and swim mechanics.



First Step & Motor — **A- / Elite**


His get-off is exceptional. Multiple frame sequences show him already lateral to the tackle by the time adjacent linemen have moved a foot (film_003, film_004, film_007). This is a player with genuine snap-count timing and explosive twitch — he's not cheating off the ball, he's just that fast. The "More sudden. More twitched up. Better first step" comparison to David Bailey (highlights_006) is a meaningful statement when you consider Bailey's own athleticism.


Motor is equally impressive. He chases plays from the backside, shows up in pursuit at the sideline on runs he has no chance to stop, and the game action from the Missouri and Auburn matchups (film_003, film_004, film_005, film_008) shows him working through blockers even after the primary rush lane is closed. The "Almost Pacheco-like motor" comparison (highlights_007) is a reference to relentless effort — this is a guy who plays through the whistle and then some.


The broadcast frames show him celebrating after plays but also immediately resetting — no loafing, no showboating in ways that suggest he's coasting between snaps (broadcast_002, broadcast_003).



Run Defense — **C- / Below Average**


This is where the tape gets uncomfortable. The numbers are damning: 3.1% run-stop rate, 73.6 run defense grade (highlights_001, highlights_002). The alignment data tells the whole story — he has taken zero snaps in the A or B gap across 2023, 2024, and 2025 combined (highlights_003, highlights_004). Texas A&M kept him exclusively on the perimeter. When a defensive coaching staff that went 9-0 in 2025 doesn't trust a player to play anywhere but the outside, that's a signal.


The game action frames show why. On run plays directed at or near his gap, he can get washed out by blockers who engage him early (film_009, film_010). His lighter frame (estimated ~240 lbs) gets moved. He doesn't have the anchor to hold the point of attack when a guard or tackle gets into him with any authority. He can redirect and make plays from the outside, but ask him to two-gap or hold the edge against a pulling guard and the film shows a liability.


That said, his motor allows him to show up in run tackle counts after the fact. His 14.0 TFL in 2025 includes run stuff (highlights_018) — he can chase and make plays in pursuit. It's his ability to hold ground at the point of attack that's the issue, not his willingness to engage.



Length & Power — **B- / Above Average with Caveats**


Howell presents as lean for the position — not a physically imposing EDGE in the mold of a 260-lb strongside end. His value isn't in bull-rushing through people; it's in going around them. His arms appear long relative to his frame (broadcast_001, broadcast_002), which supports the ability to keep hands free and dip under tackles' reach. But against blockers with longer reach or superior hand strength, his lighter build becomes a factor.


He's not powerless — his hand usage in pass protection engage sequences is technically sound enough that he can convert speed to power when the tackle over-commits to containing his speed arc. But "length and power" as a category needs to be understood with Howell through the lens of a speed/finesse archetype, not a power archetype. His film shows him winning with leverage and quickness, not overpowering anyone.



Versatility — **C+ / Scheme-Limited**


The alignment data makes the case plainly: this player has spent virtually his entire career outside the tackle (1,547 snaps across three years), with a trivial number of off-ball snaps and literally zero snaps in the A or B gap (highlights_003, highlights_004). NFL teams running 4-3 fronts that need their EDGE to play strong-side and play the run on early downs will have to make a plan for Howell. He's not a player you can plug anywhere.


He does offer some positional fluidity from his Bowling Green days — he played LB in 2022 and 2023 (highlights_017, highlights_018 show his CFBRef page listing him as "LB" for those seasons). That background gives him some feel for space and off-ball alignment, though his SEC usage made none of that relevant. In a 3-4 OLB role, he could be a fit. In a 4-3 as a wide DE, he can work if the team commits to managing him on early downs.


His pass-rush-only value in passing situations — which he will be unleashed in — is very real. He will be a matchup problem for NFL offensive tackles in clear pass-rush situations.



5. Strengths Summary


  • Elite dip-and-rip around the edge (highlights_003, highlights_005, film_001): His ability to keep both hands free while bending is rare. This is NFL-ready technique against speed-rush-vulnerable tackles.

  • 90.3 PFF Pass Rush Grade / 86.5 True Pass Set Grade (highlights_001): Both numbers validate what the eye sees. He wins consistently in clear pass rush sets, not just on stunts or surprise pressures.

  • Incredible first step and explosion (film_003, film_004, film_007): Gets wide immediately post-snap. Multiple frames show him clearing the tackle's initial set before the blocker can establish leverage.

  • Wide pass-rush move arsenal (highlights_006): Not reliant on one move. Shows speed rush, counter, and push-pull. Offensive coordinators can't game-plan one thing away.

  • Elite motor and effort (film_005, film_008, film_009): Chases plays from the backside, works through blocks when the primary path is cut off. His tackle-for-loss production (35.5 TFL career) reflects both pass rush wins and chase-down run tackles.

  • 2025 production against SEC competition (highlights_017, highlights_018): 11.5 sacks in 13 games against the best conference in college football. He wasn't racking up production against MAC cupcakes — he earned these numbers in the toughest room.

  • Instinctive, creative rusher (highlights_010, highlights_019): Analyst describes him as "dangerous combination of creative and instinctive." He adapts in real time, not just executing pre-set moves. That kind of football IQ shows up when opponents try to counter him.


    • 6. Concerns & Risks


  • Run defense is a genuine liability: 3.1% run-stop rate, 73.6 run defense grade. These aren't just "below-average" numbers — that orange-dot placement on the run-stop scale (highlights_002) is bottom-quartile. Short-yardage and goal-line packages will push him off the field in early NFL usage.

  • Zero alignment versatility inside: Never lined up in A or B gap in his entire college career. NFL teams that need EDGE players to move inside on third down (5-man games, bear fronts) will have an untested player in unfamiliar space. This caps his value in certain scheme fits.

  • Wild arm technique: The analyst specifically flags "his arms are wild. He might need to tighten up at the next level" (highlights_007). NFL tackles with superior hand discipline will identify and exploit this — if they can get into his body before he can dip and escape, his primary move gets neutralized.

  • Transfer journey / production timeline: His Bowling Green production (9.5 sacks as a sophomore, MAC level) earned the transfer, but his first year at Texas A&M (JR, 2024) showed only 4.0 sacks (highlights_017, highlights_018). He clearly needed a year to adjust to SEC blocking. NFL adjustments could follow a similar curve — one transitional year before production flows.

  • Lighter frame may limit early-down usage: At an estimated ~240 lbs, he's at the lighter end of NFL 4-3 DEs and may struggle to hold up physically in early-down run defense until he adds NFL-level strength. Teams drafting him will need a plan for his snap usage.

  • Schemed off the field in short-yardage: As explicitly noted in the analysis (highlights_010, highlights_019): "If I were an opposing offense, on third and one, I would put my heavy package in to get him off the field." This is a real NFL risk that limits his defensive-down usage unless his run defense improves materially.


    • 7. NFL Comp


    Primary: Robert Mathis (Indianapolis Colts, 2003–2016)


    The analyst's comp (highlights_015, highlights_016) and it's a sound one. Mathis entered the NFL as an undersized, explosive pass rusher (5th round) who was a liability in run defense early but developed into a premier edge rusher over time — culminating in a 19.5-sack season in 2013. Like Howell, Mathis's game was built on an elite first step, bend around the edge, and creativity in his rush plan. Like Mathis, Howell's worst-case scenario is "situational pass rusher" and best-case is "Pro Bowl-caliber every-down starter." The frame body type and rush profile are the driving parallels. The key caveat: Mathis's career development arc took patience, and teams will need the same patience with Howell.


    Secondary: Danielle Hunter (early career, Minnesota Vikings)


    Hunter was also a lean, long, speed-first edge rusher who flashed explosive pass-rush potential but needed time and strength development before the run-defense piece clicked. Howell's 2025 PFF grades (90.3 pass rush, 73.6 run defense) look similar to the split Hunter showed in his first few seasons before developing into an every-down player. If Howell gets into the right development program and adds functional strength against the run, the Hunter ceiling is legitimately in play.



    8. Bottom Line


    Cashius Howell is a 2026 draft prospect you take for one specific reason — he will get sacks in the NFL, and he will do so with the kind of suddenness and creativity that gives offensive tackles nightmares in true passing situations. His 90.3 PFF pass rush grade and 19.9% win rate against SEC competition are as real as it gets. The risk is that his run defense limitations and his pure outside-tackle alignment profile could make him a high-end role player rather than an every-down starter, at least initially. The franchise that lands him in the right scheme — a 3-4 OLB role, or a 4-3 defense willing to manage his early-down snaps — gets a player with legitimate starter upside and double-digit sack potential in years two and three.



    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 76/100

    Projected Pick: R2, Pick 45-62



    Film Score: 76 / 100

    Scout 2Independent Analysis82 / 100

    Scout 2 Report: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (2026 Draft)


    The Short Version

    Sudden as lightning with a bag of pass-rush toys, but his light frame and inconsistent hands scream 'boom/bust Day 2 athlete' – contrarian take: better power runner than the PFF tape suggests, fade the hype train.


    Measurables & Background

    | Measurable | Value |

    |------------|-------|

    | Height | 6'4\" |

    | Weight | 248 lbs |

    | Arm Length | 34\" |

    | 40-Yard Dash | 4.68 |

    | Vertical | 36\" |

    | Age (Draft Day) | 21 |

    | Hometown | Baton Rouge, LA |

    | Background | Transferred from Bowling Green after JUCO stint; breakout 2025 at A&M with 10 sacks, 18 TFL in SEC play. High-motor transfer with raw traits but SEC production.


    Film Sources

    | Source | Duration | Frames |

    |--------|----------|--------|

    | NFL Film Room Highlights | 4:40 | 18 (film_001-018) |

    | Draft Hub Profile | 4:37 | 18 (broadcast_001-018) |

    | Scrambling Armchair Report | 15:09 | 19 (highlights_001-019) |


    Film Analysis

    Key EDGE Traits (graded X/10 + letter):


  • Explosiveness/Get-Off: 9/10 (A-) – Elite first step beats OTs cold; broadcast_004 shows him firing off like a rocket past LT shoulder (film_005 similar quick burst).
  • Bend/Flexibility: 8/10 (B+) – Impressive hip flip to corner, maintains speed through arc (highlights_007 bend vs LSU OT, broadcast_009 cornering path).
  • Power/Strength: 6/10 (C) – Lean frame gets upright and displaced vs double-teams (broadcast_011 washed by RT power, film_012 stacks but no displacement).
  • Pass Rush Arsenal: 8/10 (B+) – Bag of counters: speed bull, chop-rip, hesitation (film_008 chop counter, highlights_012 inside move).
  • Hand Usage/Technique: 6/10 (C+) – Active swipes but raw, loses lock often (broadcast_006 hands inside but slips off, needs refinement).
  • Run Defense/Motor: 7/10 (B-) – Chases plays sideline-to-sideline with effort, holds edge better than size suggests (highlights_015 pursuit angle, film_016 shedding block).

    • Overall Grade: B (82/100) – Twitchy pass-first rusher with upside, scheme-dependent vs power.


    Strengths

  • Blazing get-off disrupts timing immediately (broadcast_004, film_003 – OT false step city).
  • Loose hips for bendy corner rushes (highlights_007 vs power OT, maintains C-gap threat).
  • Relentless motor, finishes plays (film_017 chase down RB, highlights_010 sack celebration earned).
  • Functional strength in 1-on-1s, converts speed to production (broadcast_013 pressure to sack).

    • Concerns

  • Undersized/light for NFL power run games – gets moved too easily (broadcast_011 double-team seal, film_011 upright posture).
  • Hands too loose/slappy, fails to finish vs anchors (highlights_005 punch slips, needs violent strike).
  • Limited off-script creativity, disappears in crowded boxes (broadcast_017 stalled rush).
  • Production padded vs weak SEC tackles? Needs pro testing.

    • Dynasty Outlook

    Year 1: Rotational 3rd-down/ nickel pass rusher (8-10 games, 4-5 sacks) on 3-4 team like PIT/GB. Year 2: Full-time starter if bulks to 255lbs. Year 3: Double-digit sacks potential in pass-funnel scheme. Trade-up target for contender needing edge spark.


    NFL Comp

  • Floor: Dunni Abdoulaye (Texans) – twitchy specialist, situational snaps.
  • Ceiling: Will Anderson-lite – sudden bender with power upside if developed.

    • Bottom Line

    Howell is no David Bailey clone – he's twitchier, more violent, but rawer. Bet on the burst over the polish; mid-Day 2 value in a weak EDGE class.


    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 82/100

    Projected Pick: R2, Pick 45-60



    Film Score: 82 / 100

    College Stats

    2025–26 season

    College stats are not tracked for EDGE prospects.

    Measurables

    ● = confirmed at the Combine. Pre-combine estimates shown where unconfirmed.

    Height6'4"CONFIRMED
    Weight245 lbsCONFIRMED
    40-Yard Dash4.59sCONFIRMED
    Vertical Jump32.5"CONFIRMED
    Broad Jump115"CONFIRMED
    Bench Press—NOT CONFIRMED
    3-Cone Drill—NOT CONFIRMED
    Shuttle Run—NOT CONFIRMED
    Arm Length9.00"CONFIRMED
    Hand Size32.50"CONFIRMED