The Dallas Cowboys’ edge rushing group has recently begun a makeover and now features a whole lot of question marks. Losses of Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and the late Marshawn Kneeland have left huge holes along the edge as the team has attempted to find new answers in last year’s second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku and the recently-acquired Rashan Gary. The team also retained Sam Williams, giving them a small core of assets, but more work is needed if they expect to put pressure on the quarterback
this upcoming season. This makes finding a fresh, young edge rusher a high priority in the upcoming NFL Draft, and the right player could fall right into their laps.
EDGE, Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Height: 6’2” | Weight: 253 lbs | Speed: 4.59 forty time
Background
Cashius Howell began his collegiate journey at Bowling Green, where he spent three seasons turning the MAC into his own personal highlight reel. During his breakout 2023 campaign, he led the conference with 9.5 sacks and proved that he was far too fast for mid-major offensive lines to handle. Seeking a bigger stage, he transferred to Texas A&M for the 2024 season to test his mettle against the giants of the SEC. He didn’t blink at the jump in competition, continuing to flash elite pass-rushing production by utilizing a combination of twitchy athleticism and a relentless pursuit of the pocket. His ability to generate pressure consistently against future NFL tackles has made him one of the more intriguing developmental prospects in this class.
Strengths
The cornerstone of Howell’s game is a get-off that looks like he was shot out of a cannon at the snap. His initial burst often puts offensive tackles in an immediate panic, forcing them to overextend just to keep up with his pace. Once he reaches the apex of his rush, he showcases remarkable bend, dipping his shoulder and hugging the corner with elite agility. His change of direction is equally impressive, allowing him to stop on a dime and exploit over-aggressive blockers who try to wash him past the pocket. His best pass-rushing move involves an inside spin counter that leaves flat-footed linemen grasping at air.
Beyond the raw physical traits, Howell plays the game with a high level of intelligence and a keen understanding of leverage. He knows he isn’t the biggest guy on the field, so he uses his lower center of gravity to get under the pads of taller blockers and drive them backward. His diagnosing ability is sharp, as he quickly identifies when a tackle is leaning too far forward or when a quarterback is about to step up into the pocket. This mental sharpness allows him to maximize his physical tools and find the shortest path to the ball carrier with surprising consistency.
Weaknesses
The primary concern for Howell at the next level is a smaller frame that lacks the typical bulk of an every-down NFL defensive end. At 253 pounds, he can be moved off his spot by powerful run blockers, and his small arms make it difficult to lock out and control the point of attack once a lineman gets their hands on him. He also relies heavily on his speed and bend, which has led to a somewhat limited arsenal of pass-rushing moves. If an NFL tackle can neutralize his initial burst, he currently lacks the pure power or secondary moves to consistently fight through a sustained block.
The Fit
Howell is a natural fit for the aggressive philosophy that Christian Parker wants to implement along the edge. Parker prizes speed and the ability to create chaos, and Howell provides exactly that as a pass rusher. His strengths as a twitchy athlete allow him to be moved around the formation to exploit specific mismatches, much like how Parker’s previous defenses have utilized other undersized speedsters in the past. His discipline and ability to diagnose plays quickly mean he won’t be a liability in a scheme that demands high football IQ and rapid transitions from run to pass.
The Final Word
Projected as a bottom-half of the first-round selection, he’s a prime candidate for pick 20. Howell would fit into the Cowboys’ edge rushing room as a designated speed specialist who can provide a spark on third downs and long-yardage situations. He offers a different look than the heavier power rushers on the roster and can thrive in a rotational role where he is fresh and ready to fly off the ball. You can never have enough players who know how to turn the corner and ruin a quarterback’s afternoon. He is a high-energy, high-production athlete who brings top-level speed to a defense that needs to learn how to play fast.
