Chicago Bears Eye Texas A&M Powerhouse Cashius Howell to Revitalize Defense in 2026 NFL Draft
CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears are staring down a critical crossroads at pick No. 25. With a defensive unit in desperate need of a spark, the front office is reportedly weighing a high-reward gamble on Texas A&M standout linebacker Cashius Howell.
The mission is clear: inject raw athleticism into a defense that has struggled to find its identity. However, the decision to slot Howell into the first round isn’t without its complications.
While Howell’s collegiate resume is shimmering, the jump to the professional level often exposes the thinnest parts of a prospect’s game. For the Bears, the question is whether Howell’s ceiling justifies the risks associated with his frame and technique.
The Resume: A Defensive Juggernaut in the SEC
Howell didn’t just play in the SEC; he dominated it. His 2025 campaign was a masterclass in disruption, culminating in SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
His impact was so profound that he became just the 11th player in Aggies history to earn unanimous All-American status, signaling a level of consistency and dominance that rarely leaves the college ranks.
The numbers tell a story of surgical precision. With 11.5 sacks and a staggering 41 quarterback pressures, Howell has proven he possesses the “get-off” required to terrorize NFL signal-callers.
His elusiveness is perhaps his most lethal weapon. Opponents often find themselves swinging at air, unable to anticipate his sudden shifts and agility at the line of scrimmage.
The Bears’ Dilemma: Need vs. Risk
For Chicago, the motivation is urgency. Last season was a sobering experience, as the team languished near the bottom of the league in total sacks and struggled mightily to contain the ground game.
With three picks slated within the first 60 selections, the Bears are drafting with a specific blueprint in mind. According to a strategic look at the early rounds, the defensive line is the priority.
But is Howell the right fit for the No. 25 spot? This is where the scouting reports diverge.
While his athletic profile is lauded by experts, there are lingering doubts about his “anchor.”
Specifically, scouts have flagged his ability to set the edge against powerhouse running backs. In the NFL, where offensive linemen possess massive reaches, Howell’s struggle with handwork could become a liability.
If he cannot shed blocks from longer-armed tackles, will his speed be neutralized? Is the Bears’ coaching staff confident they can refine his technique to compensate for his size?
Do you believe the Bears should prioritize raw speed over physical bulk at the edge? Or is the risk of a “undersized” linebacker too great for a first-round investment?
As the draft window closes, the Bears must decide if Howell is the catalyst they need or a prospect whose game requires too much polishing.
Deep Dive: The Evolution of the NFL Edge Rusher
The modern NFL has seen a paradigm shift in how defensive ends and outside linebackers are valued. Gone are the days when raw bulk was the primary requirement for a pass rusher.
Today’s game favors “twitch”—the ability to accelerate and change direction in a fraction of a second. Players like Cashius Howell represent this new breed of athlete: leaner, faster, and more elusive.
However, the “hybrid” defender must still balance this agility with fundamental strength. The ability to “set the edge” remains the bedrock of any successful 4-3 or 3-4 defense, ensuring that rushing attacks are forced back inside toward the tackles.
For a detailed look at how these metrics translate to the pros, analysts often turn to Pro Football Focus (PFF) to grade the efficiency of a player’s hand-fighting and win rate.
Furthermore, the SEC’s rigorous competition level serves as the closest approximation to NFL speed, which is why Howell’s success in the conference carries such significant weight.
Could Howell be the missing piece that transforms the Chicago Bears from a middle-of-the-pack defense into a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks? Only time—and the draft clock—will tell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Howell’s elite speed and pass-rush elusiveness align with the Bears’ goal of adding more athleticism to their defense, though his ability to set the edge remains a concern.
His primary strengths include an explosive first step, recording 11.5 sacks and 41 QB pressures in the 2025 season, and exceptional elusiveness at the line of scrimmage.
Drafting Cashius Howell involves risks regarding his size, handwork against longer-armed offensive linemen, and his consistency in stopping the run on the edge.
The Chicago Bears hold the No. 25 overall pick in the first round, which is the primary slot where Howell could be targeted.
Howell was a dominant force for the Aggies, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and becoming one of only 11 unanimous All-Americans in program history.
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