Cashius Howell is one of the most compelling draft narratives of the 2026 cycle — a two-star recruit out of Rockhurst who went from Group of Five afterthought to unanimous All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year in three years of college football. His trajectory is undeniable: MAC sack leader at Bowling Green, then 11.5 sacks and 41 pressures against SEC offensive lines in his breakout 2025 season.

Howell wins with elite get-off speed, genuine ankle flexibility and hip bend, a polished inside spin counter, and relentless backside pursuit. He plays faster than his size suggests and brings intelligence to his rush — reading protection schemes, working vertical stacks, and getting his hands up when he can't get home.

The conversation changed in Indianapolis. His 30 1/4-inch arms rank among the shortest in combine history at the position, and his 74 1/4-inch wingspan compounds every hand-fighting vulnerability. NFL tackles with length will target his chest plate. Run defense and edge-setting consistency are legitimate concerns that his limited reach makes harder to correct.

The realistic pro projection is a high-impact third-down rusher and designated pass rush specialist in a 4-man front. His motor, bend, and spin counter will translate; his durability as a base down defender against power schemes remains the central question. The talent is first-round caliber. The limitations are why he won't go in the top ten.