Cashius Howell — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Considering Jalyx Hunt led Philadelphia with just 6.5 sacks this season, the Eagles need to bring more heat from the outside. Howell is a splashy edge rusher with limited impact on the run at this juncture.

It took only one year for Mike Vrabel to build an impressive defense, but the Patriots must focus on replacing their short-term free agent signings with draft picks who can serve as a longer-term foundation. Howell led the SEC in pressures (41) and had 11.5 sacks in his second season at Texas A&M after transferring from Bowling Green. He doesn't immediately project as a three-down player but has the tools to develop into one with improved play against the run. Howell would bring an immediate pass-rushing presence and give New England serious juice off the corner when attacking the backfield with his impressive first-step quickness.

The Buccaneers' lack of pass rush was a major reason why their defense fell flat down the stretch of the 2025 season. Howell earned elite 90.0-plus PFF pass-rush grades in each of the past three seasons, and he would immediately be Tampa Bay's best pass rusher.

The SEC's defensive player of the year, Howell finished with 11.5 sacks and 41 total pressures, according to PFF. He has a sleek build (6-3, 248) but holds up well on the edge, and his explosiveness ranks among the best in this year's class.

The impending free agency of K'Lavon Chaisson (7.5 regular-season sacks) could leave a void at one of the Patriots' edge-rusher spots. Howell might be an ideal replacement as a sub-package specialist with dynamic pass-rushing skills.

One of my favorite players to study, Howell plays 100 mph at all times and has the production to back it up (27 career sacks, 35.5 tackles for loss).