Texas A&M has outright earned its No. 3 ranking after starting 8-0, including a 5-0 start in SEC play. One of the players who deserves a ton of credit is senior edge Cashius Howell, who has brought consistent energy to a pass rush that now leads the country in sacks (32), led by Howell’s 10 sacks and 30-plus pressures, and a 23.6% win rate, per Pro Football Focus.
Howell’s journey to College Station is that of many former underrated prospects who didn’t receive attention from the usual blue-blood programs, but after three seasons at Bowling Green, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko, who once served as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator (2009-2013) and quickly recognized Howell’s versatility and work ethic that has led to his 2025 breakout season.
While playing behind Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart last season, Howell still produced 40 tackles, four sacks, and seven pass deflections, and was still considered the more natural pass rusher due to his speed and elite athleticism.
However, the primary reason Howell isn’t being discussed as a likely first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is his arm length, which, in the last official measurement, came in at just 30 inches. Yes, long arms are a physical trait that often translates into becoming a top-tier pass rusher, as they allow you to dominate offensive linemen physically.
Still, Locked On Cowboys host and trusted NFL draft aficionado Marcus Mosher recently heaped praise on Howell’s ability to wreak havoc on every quarterback he’s faced this season, and believes that, despite his short arms, he should be considered as an early second-day draft selection when it’s all said and done.
Currently standing at 6’2″ and nearly 250 pounds, Howell’s strength vastly improved after adding 30-plus pounds to both his squat and bench press personal records, which helped elevate his sack numbers. With four games left in the regular season, Howell is on pace for 15 or more sacks if he keeps up this level of play.
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