Texas A&M football fans are looking forward to a huge NFL Draft season for the program, as the Aggies could see double-digit selections from the maroon and white headed to the big leagues. The Aggies have been projected to have as many as three first-round selections early in this offseason, but one player who seemed like a surefire bet for the top 32 has been falling after the NFL Combine.
Fans knew that some of Cashius Howell's physical traits could be a concern for NFL front offices— it's the same stuff that he had to overcome on his journey from a low-rated recruit to the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. However, the fallout from those measurements is already costing Cashius, according to this latest mock draft.
Howell has been placed in the late teens to mid-20 picks in most mock drafts, but in a stunning fall, he's now projected in the second round. Hopefully, the post-Combine buzz will die down and his production can speak for itself.
Cashius Howell falls way too low in latest NFL mock draft after concerning Combine numbers
Nicholas Rome of Saturday Blitz has released a three-round NFL Mock Draft, going 100 picks deep with blurbs about each player and their fit. He sees Cashius Howell joining up with Myles Garrett in Cleveland to form an intimidating pass-rushing tandem— here's what he had to say about Howell.
"The Browns defense has carried this team, and while the 1st Round Picks should be used on offensive talent, adding to this defense wouldn't be the worst idea. Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell may eventually be moved inside, but with Myles Garrett on the opposite side, the Browns should take the risk and hope they get an elite pass rusher."Nicholas Rome
It would certainly be a surprise to see Howell move inside at any point, given the concerns about his size being one of the main factors here, but he could fit well in Cleveland if he drops this far. The hope is that he could go much higher— Rome sees the Eagles selecting Auburn edge defender Keldric Faulk in the first round, who is much more traits-y than Cashius, but has much worse production in the same conference.
Even higher than that, the Dallas Cowboys have a selection at 20, where Rome sees them selecting pass-rusher TJ Parker from Clemson. One Cowboys expert has already made known his affinity for the fit of Howell in Dallas, so maybe Howell could stick around in-state before all is said and done.
This trend could continue, however, and Cashius could end up being a pick in the top of the second round. There's nothing NFL front offices do better than overthink, so nothing is out of the realm of possibility— but hopefully, trusting the production gets the better part of these GMs.