General Manager Brett Veach and the Kansas City Chiefs need to diversify the traits and athletic abilities found among their defensive linemen. Fortunately, the 2025 NFL draft features many talented pass rushers, including some mid-round prospects with intriguing potential.
Like Georgia’s Jalon Walker, Texas A&M standout Cashius Howell is an undersized outside linebacker with limited arm length. He negates his lack of length with excellent hand placement that grants him access to the offensive tackle’s frame. Howell dives impressive power through his hands to bull rush or pry open the B-gap.
Howell’s pass rush plan primarily consists of converting speed to power, long-arms, spins, swims, and two-handed swipes. He counters into the B-gap with his speed but lacks elite burst. Howell is an excellent football player but only an average athlete for his position. He struggles to provide consistent wins around the edge with speed or bend.
Howell’s leg drive helps him push linemen into gaps and close run lanes. His 6’4″, 245 lb. frame makes holding the point of attack difficult. Fortunately, Howell’s nose for the football is one of the best in the class. He flows to the ball and covers excellent ground in pursuit.
Wondered all week how we would handle Mason Taylor.
Didn’t expect Cashius Howell to be in coverage to help prevent a TD. Good job by the natural DE. pic.twitter.com/o4ngKyUzJa
— Drewtamu (@Drewtamu) October 27, 2024
Howell took a decent amount of snaps in coverage for the Aggies in 2024. He’s a fluid mover in space and has the speed to cover tight ends like Mason Taylor. Howell reads the quarterback’s eyes to close or attack passing lanes.
