At the upcoming NFL Draft in Indianapolis, the Detroit Lions are closely evaluating Cashius Howell, a standout edge rusher from Texas A&M, as a potential first-round selection. Howell, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, could bring a dynamic boost to the Lions’ pass rush, addressing a critical team need as they seek a long-term complement to star edge defender Aidan Hutchinson.
Howell’s impressive collegiate résumé includes 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his final season, earning him All-American honors after five years split between Bowling Green and Texas A&M. Known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks, he has also demonstrated versatility with interceptions, forced fumbles, and pass deflections, highlighting his playmaking ability along the edge.
Strengths and Challenges in Howell’s Game
Despite his pass-rushing prowess, Howell’s profile carries notable concerns regarding his size and capacity to defend against the run. Weighing 248 pounds and standing 6-foot-2, he is considered undersized for a traditional NFL edge defender and has struggled to stop the run, with a run-stop rate of just 3.1% last season. His pass-rush win rate, however, was an impressive 19.9%, illustrating his ability to quickly get off the line and create pressure.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic commented on Howell’s skill set, stating,
“The NFL covets dynamic space athletes, and Howell brings a ton of juice off the edge. With his get-off burst, he can eat up a tackle’s cushion, and he uses his agility and aggressive hands to get blockers off balance using his rush sequencing.”
Brugler also noted,
“His development in defending the run game will determine his pro ceiling,”
indicating this is a key area for Howell’s growth.
Similarly, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah called Howell a “fascinating case study” due to his blend of athleticism and production, tempered by questions about his size and length that could cause teams to reconsider drafting him early.
Fitting Into Detroit’s Defensive Strategy
Historically, the Lions under general manager Brad Holmes have preferred bigger edge rushers, making Howell appear an unlikely fit at first glance. But Detroit’s current edge corps has faced challenges, with free agent Al-Quadin Muhammad departing after a strong sack total, and Josh Paschal—known for run defense—struggling with availability and impact since being drafted in the second round.
Marcus Davenport has been limited by injuries and inconsistent production, logging just 1.5 sacks in two seasons. Beyond Aidan Hutchinson, the team’s only other edge defenders include Ahmed Hassanein and Tyrus Wheat, leaving a clear opening for a new impact rusher to develop alongside Hutchinson.
Howell could provide that spark, even if viewed as a high-risk, high-reward selection. If the Lions can develop his run defense and harness his motor and work ethic, he could grow into a cornerstone player.
Howell’s Approach and Potential Development
Howell emphasizes his strong understanding of his role within the defensive scheme and his relentless playing style. He shared,
“I try just to make sure I understand my role within my 1/11th of the defensive scheme, and you know, within that I like to — I’m almost kind of a maniac. But I like to try to make sure I understand the ins and outs, the potentials of what could happen, and you know, within that, that allows me to play fast and ultimately allows me to play by.”
Focusing on precision at the point of attack is another area Howell believes will distinguish him, explaining,
“You know, just once you get to that point of attack and whether you’re able to win clean or you have to work a little bit more to bend that edge and be an athlete to make the play, I just feel like it’s about really just like I said, pinpoint accuracy at the point of attack. Once you get past the offensive lineman, you just have to really hone yourself in and lock your focus in making the play.”
Draft Outlook and Team Needs
As the Lions prepare for the 2026 season with offensive tackle Taylor Decker confirmed to return, the front office has more flexibility to draft based on pure positional needs. Edge rushers and offensive linemen continue to dominate mock drafts, reflecting the organizational priorities.
Howell’s anticipated performances in speed, agility, and explosion drills at the NFL Combine might elevate his draft stock further, grabbing headlines and boosting his appeal. With multiple edge defender vacancies, Detroit’s interest in Howell signals a willingness to consider a unique talent to reinvigorate this key defensive position.
For the Lions, selecting Howell would represent a calculated gamble: an undersized but electrifying edge rusher whose rapid motor and technique could provide a much-needed complement to their defensive frontline if developed properly.
