Cashius Howell NFL Draft Profile: Edge Rusher Analysis

Cashius Howell has emerged as one of the most intriguing edge rushers in the 2024 NFL Draft conversation, combining explosive athleticism with areas needing refinement as teams evaluate his potential fit at the professional level. The former Mississippi State standout entered the draft process with a reputation for disruptive playmaking ability, yet questions remain about his consistency and technique against higher-level competition. NFL scouts have closely monitored Howell’s development throughout his collegiate career, particularly his ability to translate college success to the NFL’s increased speed and complexity.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, Howell possesses the physical frame that NFL teams typically seek in modern edge rushers capable of contributing in both pass-rushing and run-defense situations. His collegiate production at Mississippi State showed flashes of brilliance, including multiple games with multiple sacks and tackles for loss, though his overall statistics reflected the challenges of playing in the competitive SEC West division. Teams drafting Howell would be investing in a player with high upside but also clear areas for technical development, particularly in hand usage and maintaining proper leverage against NFL-caliber offensive tackles.

Howell’s draft stock has fluctuated throughout the pre-draft process, with some analysts projecting him as a mid-to-late round selection while others question whether his film shows enough consistent dominance to warrant an early investment. The evaluation process has focused heavily on his performance against Power Five competition, particularly in games where he faced NFL-caliber offensive linemen, to gauge how his skill set might translate to the professional level. His ability to generate pressure off the edge remains his most compelling attribute, though consistency in winning those matchups has been a point of discussion among evaluators.

The Mississippi State product has demonstrated impressive burst off the snap, often using his quick first step to gain an advantage against blockers before they can establish proper positioning. However, film study reveals instances where Howell struggles to disengage from blocks once initial contact is made, suggesting a need for improved hand technique and strength development to handle the sustained engagement required in the NFL. His athleticism allows him to recover from some technical shortcomings, but NFL offensive lines will exploit any hesitation or improper technique more ruthlessly than college defenses typically do.

In run defense, Howell shows the ability to set the edge effectively when he maintains proper shoulder alignment and uses his length to control blockers, though he occasionally gets washed out of plays when facing double teams or when his pad level rises too high. His pursuit angles and effort level have generally been praised by coaches, indicating a willingness to chase down plays that develop away from his initial alignment—a trait valued in modern defensive schemes that require edge rushers to contribute beyond just rushing the passer.

The evaluation of Howell’s potential also considers his injury history, which includes minor issues that kept him out of select games during his collegiate career but nothing that appears to be a major red flag for long-term durability concerns. Teams will weigh his athletic upside against the need for technical refinement, particularly as the NFL continues to value versatile edge rushers who can contribute in multiple defensive schemes and situations. His draft projection remains fluid as teams complete their evaluations and consider how he might fit into specific defensive systems and coaching philosophies.

Howell’s Collegiate Production and Development

During his time at Mississippi State, Howell accumulated 18.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss over three seasons, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses when he was able to get into rhythm. His best statistical season came in 2022, when he recorded 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 11 games, demonstrating the production level that NFL teams hope to see from a developing edge rusher. However, his junior season in 2023 saw a slight decline to 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, prompting questions about whether he had reached a plateau in his development or was facing increased schematic attention from opposing offenses.

Howell’s progression through the Mississippi State program showed steady improvement from his freshman to sophomore years, with his sack totals increasing from 4.5 in 2021 to 7.5 in 2022 before the slight dip in 2023. This pattern is not uncommon for developing edge rushers who are still refining their technique and learning to handle the increased attention that comes with being a primary pass-rushing threat. The Bulldogs’ defensive scheme under various coordinators also played a role in how frequently Howell was asked to rush the passer versus dropping into coverage or focusing on run defense responsibilities.

Beyond the raw statistics, Howell’s film reveals a player who consistently wins with speed and agility rather than relying solely on brute strength, which aligns with the modern NFL trend toward faster, more agile edge rushers capable of bending around the edge and attacking the quarterback from unconventional angles. His ability to change direction quickly and maintain balance while rushing allows him to create pressure even when his initial rush attempt is contained, a valuable trait in today’s pass-heavy NFL landscape where quarterbacks often get rid of the ball quickly.

The Mississippi State coaching staff worked extensively with Howell on developing a more diverse rush arsenal, encouraging him to move beyond his primary speed rush to incorporate inside moves, spin techniques, and better employ of his hands to disengage from blocks. This development process is evident in his film from 2022 to 2023, showing increased versatility in his rush techniques, though consistency in executing these moves against elite competition remains an area for growth. His ability to adapt and learn new techniques suggests a coachable player who could continue to develop under proper NFL coaching.

Howell’s participation in pre-draft workouts, including the NFL Scouting Combine and Mississippi State’s pro day, provided additional data points for evaluators assessing his athletic profile and readiness for the next level. His combine performance showed respectable numbers in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump, though his bench press repetitions were somewhat modest compared to some of his peers in the edge rusher category. These measurements help teams quantify his athletic potential beyond what is visible on game film alone.

The transition from college to the NFL presents significant challenges for any edge rusher, particularly in terms of facing more sophisticated blocking schemes, stronger and more technically proficient offensive linemen, and the overall increased speed of the game. Howell’s ability to make this transition successfully will depend heavily on his willingness to refine his technique, develop greater strength to handle NFL-level engagement, and continue learning from experienced coaches and veterans in the locker room.

Technical Evaluation and Areas for Development

NFL evaluators have identified several specific technical areas where Howell could improve to increase his chances of success at the professional level, with hand technique and block disengagement being primary points of focus. Film study shows that while Howell often gains an initial advantage with his quick first step, he sometimes struggles to shed blocks once contact is established, which can limit his effectiveness in sustained pass-rushing situations or when facing double teams. Improving his ability to use his hands effectively to create separation and reset his rush would significantly enhance his productivity.

Another area identified for development is Howell’s consistency in maintaining proper leverage and pad level throughout his rush attempts, particularly when facing larger offensive linemen who can gain an advantage if he stands up too high during his rush. Maintaining a low, powerful stance allows edge rushers to generate more force and control at the point of attack, something Howell demonstrates intermittently but not consistently enough to be considered a reliable aspect of his game yet. This technical refinement would help him win more consistently against the size and strength typically found on NFL offensive lines.

Howell’s pass-rush move diversity also represents an opportunity for growth, as relying too heavily on a single primary move (in his case, the speed rush) makes it easier for offensive linemen to anticipate and counter his attempts. Developing a more varied rush arsenal that includes effective inside moves, counter techniques, and better use of hand fighting would make him a more unpredictable and dangerous pass rusher. The NFL values edge rushers who can win with multiple techniques rather than relying on a single go-to move that can be schemed against.

In run defense, Howell shows the ability to set the edge effectively when he maintains proper technique, but he occasionally gets washed out of plays when his technique breaks down or when facing exceptionally strong blocking combinations. Improving his ability to anchor against the run and maintain his position at the line of scrimmage would increase his value in defensive schemes that require edge rushers to contribute significantly in both passing and running situations. This aspect of his game is particularly important for teams that run defensive schemes emphasizing versatile edge players who can handle multiple responsibilities.

The development of these technical skills would not only improve Howell’s immediate impact potential but also increase his long-term upside as a player who could develop into a consistent starter or even a Pro Bowl-caliber player with proper coaching and dedication to refinement. NFL teams investing in Howell would be betting on his ability to make these technical improvements while maintaining the explosive athleticism that initially drew attention to his profile.

Draft Projection and Team Fit Considerations

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, Howell’s projection remains in flux, with various analysts and mock drafts placing him in different rounds based on their evaluation of his potential versus his current readiness. Some projections have him selected in the third or fourth round, reflecting belief in his upside and athletic profile, while others have him slipping to the fifth or sixth round due to concerns about his consistency and technical readiness for immediate NFL contribution. This range reflects the inherent uncertainty in projecting developmental players who may need time to refine their skills before reaching their full potential.

Teams that run defensive schemes emphasizing speed and agility on the edge, or those looking to add a developmental piece with high upside behind established starters, may view Howell as an attractive option worth the investment of a mid-round draft pick. His ability to contribute in sub-package situations or as a rotational player early in his career could provide value while he continues to develop the technical skills needed for every-down status. Organizations with strong defensive line coaching staffs may be particularly interested in Howell, believing they can help him refine his technique more effectively than some other teams.

Conversely, teams seeking immediate impact players or those with less patience for developmental projects might pass on Howell in favor of prospects with more polished technique or proven consistency against higher levels of competition. The decision to draft Howell will ultimately depend on each organization’s specific needs, their evaluation of his potential upside versus current limitations, and their confidence in their ability to develop his skills through coaching and practice. His fit with a particular team’s defensive scheme and coaching philosophy will be a significant factor in where he ultimately lands in the draft.

Howell’s background and work ethic have generally been viewed positively by those who have worked with him, with coaches and teammates describing him as a dedicated player willing to put in the work necessary to improve his game. This intangible aspect of his profile could be a deciding factor for teams on the fence about his technical readiness, as a strong work ethic often correlates with the ability to make the necessary improvements to succeed at the NFL level. The combination of physical tools, athletic ability, and coachability presents a compelling package for teams willing to invest in a player’s development process.

What’s Next for Howell

The next confirmed checkpoint in Howell’s journey to the NFL is his participation in team visits and private workouts as part of the pre-draft process, which will provide additional opportunities for NFL teams to evaluate him up close and assess how he might fit into their specific defensive schemes and coaching environments. These individual workouts allow teams to see Howell in a controlled setting, work with him on specific techniques, and get a better sense of his personality and how he might fit into their locker room culture.

Following these private workouts, Howell will await the NFL Draft itself, scheduled to start on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET (00:00 UTC on April 26), where his fate will be determined by which team selects him and in what round. The draft process represents the culmination of months of evaluation, workouts, and interviews, and will mark the beginning of his professional football career regardless of where he is selected. Teams will have completed their evaluations by this point and will be ready to make their selections based on the information they have gathered throughout the pre-draft process.

After the draft, Howell will begin the process of joining his new team, participating in rookie minicamp, and beginning to learn the specific systems and techniques that his organization employs. This transition period will be crucial for his development, as he will need to adapt to the NFL’s increased complexity, learn from veteran players and coaches, and begin implementing the technical refinements that evaluators have identified as necessary for his success at the professional level. The work he puts in during this initial phase will significantly influence how quickly he can adapt and contribute to his new team.

For fans and analysts following Howell’s journey, the best way to stay updated on his draft status and subsequent professional career is to follow official NFL draft coverage, team announcements, and reputable sports news outlets that provide accurate, verified information about player movements and developments. As with any young player entering the NFL, Howell’s early career will be a period of learning and adaptation, and his ultimate success will depend on his ability to continue developing his skills while maintaining the athleticism and work ethic that initially made him an intriguing prospect.

What are your thoughts on Cashius Howell’s NFL potential and where you see him fitting in the league? Share your predictions and analysis in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this analysis with fellow football fans who might be interested in this intriguing edge rusher prospect.