The New England Patriots might want to focus on selecting a pass rusher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and Ralph D. Russo from The Athletic has a preferred player in mind.
The Athletic published a mock draft on Tuesday, featuring Russo’s prediction that the Patriots will select Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell with the No. 31 pick.
“The Patriots produced only 35 sacks last season, putting them in the bottom third of the NFL,” Russo wrote. “Howell comes off the line with big-time speed and quickness, though at 6-2 and 250 pounds, he will need to develop as a run defender. The Bowling Green transfer blew up last season after serving in a rotational role at A&M in 2024, becoming one of the best pass rushers in the country with 11.5 sacks in 13 games.”
Howell spent his first three seasons at Bowling Green before transferring to Texas A&M in 2024. Throughout his 56-game college career, he recorded 27 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss.
The Patriots should consider selecting Howell and allow him to develop over the next few years, potentially transforming him into one of the top pass rushers in the NFL.
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