Cashius Howell doesn’t just rush the passer -- he detonates pockets.

The Texas A&M edge rusher may be just what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking for this draft season.

The Buccaneers are set to make their first selection on opening night at this year's draft, with the No. 15 pick, on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh. The team owns a total of seven picks this year, including three in the top 100.

Bucs Roundtable will take a closer look at a range of prospects headed for the 2026 draft that would jibe with Tampa Bay's current roster and the team's X's and O's strategies and coaching. Our series has also profiled Miami Hurricanes defensive end Ahkeem Mesidor.

In this entry, we spotlight Kansas City, Missouri, native Cashius Howell.

The SEC's 2025 Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American has emerged as one of the most disruptive defenders in the 2026 draft class, blending twitch, power, and relentless effort into a game-wrecking package.

After transferring from Bowling Green and spending a year in rotation behind future pros Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, Howell seized the starting role in 2025 and never looked back. The result? A breakout season that vaulted him into first-round conversations.

At 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds, Howell isn’t built like a traditional power end -- but his compact frame hides elite torque and explosiveness. His first step is electric, routinely beating tackles off the snap and forcing protection breakdowns before the quarterback finishes his drop. He plays with excellent pad level and ankle flexibility, allowing him to bend the arc and flatten to the quarterback with minimal wasted motion. His 4.65 forty time backs up the tape: Howell is fast, sudden, and dangerous in space.

But it’s not just speed. Howell’s hands are violent and well-developed, with a full arsenal of pass-rush moves. He can long-arm, cross-chop, swipe, dip, and counter inside with fluidity. He understands sequencing -- how to set up tackles over the course of a game -- and he finishes with authority. His 12 sacks and 41 pressures in 2025 weren’t flukes; they were the product of refined technique and a nonstop motor.

Against the run, Howell plays with surprising strength. He sets a firm edge, sheds blocks with leverage, and pursues with urgency. He’s not a pure two-gapper, but he’s assignment-sound and physical at the point of attack. His ability to chase down plays from the backside and clean up broken runs adds value beyond the stat sheet.

Where Howell can improve is in block deconstruction against longer, stronger NFL tackles. If he doesn’t win early, he can get locked out and struggle to disengage. Adding more mass and refining his secondary counters will help him maintain effectiveness against pro-level competition. He’s also more comfortable rushing than dropping; while he’s functional in coverage, he’s best used as a pure edge disruptor.

Projection-wise, Howell fits best in a 4-3 front or hybrid scheme that lets him attack downhill. He can play as a wide-9 rusher, a stand-up OLB, or even reduce inside on passing downs. His versatility, motor, and burst make him a plug-and-play contributor with starter upside. He’s the kind of defender who changes the tempo of a game -- who forces offenses to adjust protections and account for his presence every snap.

Cashius Howell isn’t just another edge prospect. He’s a pressure machine with the production, traits, and mentality to thrive in the NFL. For teams seeking juice off the edge and a tone-setter in the trenches, Howell is a name to circle early.

ㅤ

Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!