Texas A&M's 2026 NFL Draft class included a record-tying ten selections, led by star wide receiver KC Concepcion, who went 24th overall to the Cleveland Browns, while edge rusher Cashius Howell, who led the SEC with 11.5 sacks last season, went early in the second round to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Both players have shined through their first three or four games, as Concepcion reeled in a career-high 64 receiving yards during Thursday night's 27-24 win over Pittsburgh, while making one of the more impressive blocks that set up one of the Browns' three first-half scores.
Cashius Howell, who could have easily gone in the first round based on his elite production during his final season with the Aggies, has made the most of his opportunity as a rookie
and already looks like a perfect fit in defensive coordinator Al Golden's scheme. Per Pro Football Focus, Howell has not been credited with a sack, but leads all rookie defenders with 11 pressures in just three games.
After racking up six pressures against Houston in Week 2, Howell earned his best pass rush grade (69.0) during the Bengals' shootout loss to Pittsburgh, producing four pressures while earning an impressive 74.3 tackling grade. However, his snap count varied with the flow of the game, with 41 snaps against Houston and 25 snaps against Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh.
Cashius Howell is currently a backup to starting defensive end Boye Mafe, who signed with the Bengals in free agency. Howell ranks third among rookies with a 66.3 pass rush grade through three weeks.
Cashius Howell has been cash money so far 😤 pic.twitter.com/T3j056ZwSc
— PFF (@PFF) October 2, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Former Texas A&M Edge leads all NFL rookies in pressures
