George Karlaftis enters Week 4 of the NFL season leading the Kansas City Chiefs in pressures. According to Pro Football Focus, he also ranks among the top ten in pressures applied among all defenders. With Karlaftis signed to a long-term extension and producing at a quality level, the Chiefs need to find another pass rusher through the 2026 NFL draft to strengthen the defensive front.
Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell lacks prototypical arm length, height and mass but is a polished pass rusher with an effective set of rush moves. He mitigates concerns about his arm length with his hand placement to access the lineman’s chest. Howell doesn’t generate consistent pop, but he delivers enough power through his frame to push the pocket and soften the lineman’s shoulders.
Texas A&M hasn’t played an SEC opponent yet, but Howell impressed through the team’s first three games. He took over a drive against Utah State, recording three consecutive sacks and forcing a punt. East-West Shrine Bowl Director Eric Galko praised the performance, claiming he’d never seen that happen before.
Howell’s pass rush plan includes ghost moves, B-gap swims, long-arms, rips, speed to power, spins and two-handed swipes. He doesn’t offer the combination of bend and burst to flatten his rush angle around the outside track consistently, but his developed bag of B-gap counters makes him a weapon on two-way goes.
Howell is a crafty pass rusher with enough explosiveness and twitch to surpass the league’s athletic requirements. He should see snaps in a rotational pass rushing role early in his career.
His work in run defense is more inconsistent. He’s explosive enough to chase down running backs as a backside defender, but his size creates limitations at the point of attack. However, he held the point of attack against a tackle and tight end double team in the Notre Dame game, suggesting he’s capable of moments of high-impact run defense.
Howell also offers some value in coverage. He nearly intercepted a pass against Notre Dame while covering Jeremiyah Love on a wheel route. Howell also posted a tremendous coverage rep against LSU tight end Mason Taylor in 2024, breaking up a potential touchdown 20 yards downfield.
The Aggies play their next game against the Auburn Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:30 CT. Three ranked opponents and several quality offensive lines remain on Texas A&M’s schedule. Howell will face offensive tackle prospects in his matchups against Arkansas, Florida and Texas.