Cashius Howell Wants to get to the Quarterback

Some prospects are just fun to watch ⎯

Texas A&M Edge Cashius Howell sure was.

He demonstrates one of the most comprehensive toolboxes of pass-rushing moves I’ve ever seen a prospect have.

And the scary part ⎯

Howell gives off the impression that he’s still learning to use all of those pass-rush moves. He was a little raw. It was like watching a baby rattlesnake play defense.

But that’s also not all he can do.

Howell held his own against the run, and he’s the best pass coverage edge I’ve ever evaluated. It wasn’t a one-off or a novelty for him to drop into coverage either. He looked good doing it, and per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Howell participated in 85 coverage snaps.

This allows for greater game-planning flexibility.

It almost makes me wonder if Howell projects best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense (three down defensive linemen and four linebackers).

Tell me more about Howell as a pass rusher

The NFL is about two things ⎯

Passing the ball and stopping the pass.

Four of the premium positions teams look for in the first round:

• Quarterbacks
• Wide Receivers
• Cornerbacks
• Edge Rushers

Elite edge rushers who can both disrupt the pocket and sack the quarterback are a big plus.

That inserts Howell into the conversation.

Howell is an unpredictable and relentless menace

He flips from one side of the offensive line to the other, testing offensive tackles to see what they’re made of. Howell has these long ‘ol arms and natural brute strength. He’s capable of finessing offensive tackles with fancy pass-rushing moves, or he can straight-up bull-rush ’em and drive ’em right back into the pocket to flush out the quarterback.

While he does have good short-area acceleration in pursuit, he did not show that coveted elite short-area burst. I’m also not thrilled with his hip tightness that hindered him from being able to make quick, needed adjustments in the pocket.

What did all of this amount to in 2024?

Per PFF, Howell produced 24 hurries and 4 sacks in the defensive Texas A&M rotation.

Bottom line ⎯

Howell was a handful

Playmaker

That’s another word that puts a prospect into the first-round discussion. It’s also another word that describes Howell.

It’s not just that he’s a good defensive prospect; it’s also about the nose he has for the ball.

2024:

• 7 passes defended
• 1 interception
• 1 forced fumble

It’s this kind of production that can move the meter at the next level.

#18 Cashius Howell (his jersey number in 2024) 6-foot-2, 248 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2025 Fall Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a First-Round prospect as of November 2, 2025

2024 game film evaluated: Notre Dame, McNeese, Florida, Bowling Green, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi State, LSU, South Carolina, New Mexico, Auburn, Texas, and USC (click to watch games viewed to form this evaluation)

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Well-rounded three-down linebacker prospect who throws his weight around. Above average straight-line speed. Alpha demeanor. Powerful. Physical. Tough. Violent. Active. Creative. High energy. Dynamic. Good motor. Lines up mostly standing up or with his hand sometimes down in the dirt pre-snap. Flashes a fast first step. Sets the table against offensive tackles and keeps them guessing what his pass-rushing plan of attack is. Has some shake and bake to him coming off the edge. Showed swim, spin, rip, slap-and-go, and head fake pass rush moves. Also showed jump move and ghost move. Can get under the offensive tackle’s pad level through the back door of the pocket. Solid stunting inside and can split double teams. Fights hard against the run. Tends to show hesitation. Loves to play bumper cars with the big boys. Inconsistent shedding blocks. Somewhat dependable as a tackler. Good in zone and man pass coverage.

What to watch for during the 2025 college football season

1. Does he show short-area burst?

2. Hip tightness?

3. Hesitant vs. run?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. Featured in USA Today. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.