The SEC sent 79 players to the NFL Draft last year, including 15 first-round picks. Texas A&M could match that production this spring.
Cashius Howell headlines the Aggies’ draft prospects. The edge rusher is projected as a first-round pick by several mock drafts.
His hometown Kansas City Chiefs hold the 29th overall selection.
Steve McKinney, the Texas A&M legend who finished with 25 sacks before earning College Football Hall of Fame honors, sees elite potential in Howell.
“Cashius showed flashes of his speed and pass rush ability in his first year at A&M, but he really took a huge leap last fall. His burst off the ball and his bend are elite. He was also very effective in coverage, not to mention the level of intensity he plays with.”
McKinney’s comparison? Von Miller.
NFL scouts share that assessment. Jon Cooper from Ourlads’ draft guide praised Howell’s production but noted physical concerns.
“Howell is a player we really like because of his motor and ability to produce at a high level. A huge concern however is his measurements and how they project against NFL offensive tackles. He has short arms and a zero wingspan differential which is even more concerning to NFL analytics people.”
Cooper emphasized Howell’s on-field performance overcomes those measurables.
“That said when watching him play you don’t see a player lacking length. What you see is an explosive first step and a powerful punch to stun blocks. He can slip blocks on the move with quick hands. Excellent chase player coming off the backside and he doesn’t often miss tackles.”
The technical aspects separate Howell from other prospects.
“He’s an advanced technician as a pass rusher with a variety of ways to get to the quarterback. The proof is in the pressure rate and number of sacks. He’s also flashed decent cover skill dropping in the flat.”
Cooper projects Howell as a 3-4 outside linebacker who could still reach the first round despite length concerns.
“We like him as a 3-4 outside linebacker but he should at least find a home in a rotation. Despite lack of length we still feel he could be in the first round. Some teams will knock him down because of that so we’ll see. However he’s too productive to ignore.”
Ray Childress, another Aggies great, sees the same traits that made him successful.
“I really enjoyed watching Cashius play. He’s incredibly athletic and he gives great effort. As a premier edge rusher he also seems to be intuitive and can time his pass rush or play against the run.”
Late first-round picks often produce Hall of Fame careers. Ray Lewis went 26th overall. Dan Marino fell to 27th. Darrell Green landed at 28th.
If Howell hears his name called in that range, he’d join elite company.
