NFL draft profile: Texas A&M DE gaining steam ahead of first round
Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell could be a late steal in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night.
With a little over 24 hours remaining until the first round of the 2026 NFL draft commences, the stock of Texas A&M's elite defensive end is on the rise. At 6-foot-2 and 253 pounds, Cashius Howell brings electric speed and outstanding power off the edge. Tied for seventh in FBS and leading the SEC with 11.
5 sacks in 2025, Howell's presence on Texas A&M's defense gave offensive coordinators nightmares. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year started all 13 games for the Aggies , recording 31 tackles, six pass breakups and a forced fumble. Howell's burst and elusiveness are qualities that NFL scouts have clamored over since he announced his entry into this year's draft.
He has struggled at times to set the edge, especially against the run, but his wicked counters and pursuit could make him a first-rounder. Some draft analysts have openly criticized Howell's measurables, specifically his arm length. With the first round set to begin on Thursday night, Howell responded to the recent critiques of his game with a simple but affirmative response to NFL GMs and analysts alike.
"I feel like, at this point, the length of my arms hasn't deterred me in any way. I'm coming off a pretty great year this past year at A&M, and I feel like, as long as I continue to be a master of my craft and a master of my technique... the way that I play will definitely translate at the next level.