Feb. 13, 2026, 1:55 p.m. ET
In the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Field Yates, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make a bold and much-needed move at No. 15 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting explosive edge rusher Cashius Howell from Texas A&M Aggies. According to Yates’ updated first-round projections, Howell’s unique blend of burst, bend, and disruptive pass-rushing ability fits a clear Tampa Bay roster need in generating consistent pressure off the edge.
At 6-2 and 248 pounds, Howell isn’t your typical prototypical edge rusher as he doesn’t have the long arms scouts often crave and seek out, but he more than compensates with elite athleticism and quickness that keeps offensive tackles on their heels. The ESPN mock notes Howell won SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025 with 11.5 sacks, showcasing a relentless motor and ability to win with both speed and technique.
For the Buccaneers, injecting pass rush juice has been a glaring offseason priority. Tampa Bay’s defense struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks down the stretch in 2025, finishing the year without a single player reaching eight sacks.
Tampa’s “big splash” in last season’s free agency, Haason Reddick, finished with just 2.5 sacks and missed multiple games due to injury. Howell’s arrival would directly address that deficiency and provide a dynamic complement to the team’s existing defensive pieces, notably giving Yaya Diaby a running mate at the edge position.
Yates’ projection paints Howell as one of the most explosive rushers in the 2026 class, even if his measurements raise questions at times. His burst off the snap and ability to bend around the edge give him a chance to impact the NFL early, potentially giving Tampa Bay the kind of disruptive talent its defense has lacked since Shaq Barrett.
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