Cashius Howell — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

The Chiefs haven't had two first-round picks since 2022, when they drafted cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis. While the former was traded this offseason (to land this pick), the latter needs some help on the edge.

Howell was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 11.5 sacks in 2025, displaying an excellent first step, ability to bend the edge and closing speed. He lacks the optimal length for an edge rusher with just 30¼-inch arms, but that is offset by his ability to get underneath and around offensive tackles.

The Bills have to get more edge-rush help and Howell can do that. He has shorter arms, but he can impact the game off the edge.

The Bills already made one move to get an edge rusher in Bradley Chubb and still have Greg Rousseau on the team, but if there's one thing they still lack, it's speed, explosiveness and bend around the edge from their pass rushers. Howell changes that immediately. He tied for the quickest 10-yard split at the 2026 NFL Combine among edge rushers at 1.58 seconds. A consistent pass rush has been an issue for the Bills almost every year since Josh Allen became their quarterback. With new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's scheme, they have every reason to try to finally fix that problem with Howell. — Joe Buscaglia

The level of concern about Howell's lack of length (30 1/4-inch arms) will vary from team to team, but his first-step quickness is unquestioned after he posted the fastest 10-yard split (1.58 seconds) of any player from the defensive line group at this year's NFL Scouting Combine. New Bills DC Jim Leonhard comes from Denver, where the Broncos won off the edge with Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, who both ranked among the top five at their position last season in average get-off, per Next Gen Stats.

Howell's gotten a knock for short arms. Just with Bain, though, go watch Howell's tape. He was incredibly productive at Texas A&M this past season, and I think Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will love having a guy like him on his roster.