Cashius Howell Draft Grade | Round 2, Pick 9 | FanVerdicts

A-

Top 13%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Slight Value

Position

EDGE · Premium Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #36 · Day 2 Value

Cashius Howell emerged as a premier edge rusher at Texas A&M after transferring from junior college, developing into a relentless pass rusher with outstanding motor and bend around the corner. His draft stock has steadily climbed throughout his collegiate career, culminating in a breakout senior season that showcased elite closing speed and improved hand usage. What makes Howell special is his combination of explosive first step, natural pass rush instincts, and ability to convert speed to power effectively. Primary concerns center around his lean frame's durability against NFL-caliber offensive tackles and occasional inconsistency in run defense when asked to set the edge in base packages.

Strengths

+Elite get-off and burst from his stance allows him to consistently beat offensive tackles' punch timing and gain early leverage advantage.

+Exceptional bend and hip flexibility enable him to dip around the corner while maintaining balance and closing speed toward the quarterback.

+Natural hand placement and timing show consistent improvement, particularly with his inside hand to create separation and disrupt tackle sets.

+Outstanding closing speed and pursuit angles result in numerous coverage sacks and cleanup tackles when quarterbacks escape the pocket.

+Relentless motor and high football IQ allow him to impact plays even when initial rush doesn't succeed, showing excellent effort in pursuit.

+Versatile pass rush repertoire includes effective speed-to-power conversion, long arm technique, and developing swim move to counter inside rushes.

+Strong play recognition skills help him identify screens, draws, and misdirection plays quickly to minimize big gains.

+Exceptional athleticism translates to special teams value as both a coverage specialist and return coverage threat.

+Consistent availability and durability throughout college career despite playing high-snap counts in demanding SEC competition.

+Natural football instincts and study habits show strong understanding of offensive line protections and tendency recognition.

Weaknesses

-Limited bulk and functional strength can be exposed by NFL-caliber offensive tackles who successfully get hands on him early in pass rush.

-Run defense consistency wavers when asked to set edges against power running schemes, occasionally getting sealed inside by tight ends.

-Pass rush plan can become predictable as he relies heavily on speed rush techniques without fully developed power moves.

-Hand fighting technique needs refinement to consistently shed blocks once offensive linemen establish initial contact and leverage.

-Tackling form can break down in space when pursuing mobile quarterbacks, leading to missed opportunities for sacks.

-Limited experience dropping into coverage may restrict his usage in modern NFL defensive packages that require linebacker-like skills.

-Rush lane discipline occasionally suffers when pursuing sacks, creating scramble lanes for mobile quarterbacks up the middle.

NFL Comparison: Preston Smith

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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