Texas A&M fans have plenty to be excited about after ESPN’s latest projection for Aggie defensive lineman **Cashius Howell**. The rising star has been gaining national attention, and ESPN’s recent **mock draft** has only fueled the excitement in College Station. Howell, who spent last season developing behind first-round pick **Shemar Stewart** and second-rounder **Nic Scourton**, is now poised to take center stage as Texas A&M’s premier pass rusher [A](https://gigemgazette.com/espn-s-projection-for-this-aggie-player-should-have-a-m-fans-jumping-for-joy?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXWnltUXNwU0xtTm44N0ZFcm5vWkwiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUndoa201Z0hOOU5yVW1wZDlzZnZ6IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZ2lnZW1nYXpldHRlLmNvbVwvZXNwbi1zLXByb2plY3Rpb24tZm9yLXRoaXMtYWdnaWUtcGxheWVyLXNob3VsZC1oYXZlLWEtbS1mYW5zLWp1bXBpbmctZm9yLWpveSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Howell’s Rise to Stardom
Texas A&M has a rich history of producing elite defensive linemen, with **Von Miller** and **Myles Garrett** among the most notable Aggies to make their mark in the NFL. Howell is now in a position to follow in their footsteps. With both defensive end positions open, he has the opportunity to showcase his talent and prove he belongs among the best in the country. His explosive athleticism and relentless motor have already caught the attention of scouts, and ESPN’s latest projection suggests that Howell could be a **first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft** [A](https://gigemgazette.com/espn-s-projection-for-this-aggie-player-should-have-a-m-fans-jumping-for-joy?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXWnltUXNwU0xtTm44N0ZFcm5vWkwiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUndoa201Z0hOOU5yVW1wZDlzZnZ6IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZ2lnZW1nYXpldHRlLmNvbVwvZXNwbi1zLXByb2plY3Rpb24tZm9yLXRoaXMtYWdnaWUtcGxheWVyLXNob3VsZC1oYXZlLWEtbS1mYW5zLWp1bXBpbmctZm9yLWpveSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### ESPN’s Bold Prediction
In a **way-too-early mock draft**, ESPN analyst **Jordan Reid** projected Howell to be selected by the **Detroit Lions with the 29th overall pick** [A](https://gigemgazette.com/espn-s-projection-for-this-aggie-player-should-have-a-m-fans-jumping-for-joy?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXWnltUXNwU0xtTm44N0ZFcm5vWkwiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUndoa201Z0hOOU5yVW1wZDlzZnZ6IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZ2lnZW1nYXpldHRlLmNvbVwvZXNwbi1zLXByb2plY3Rpb24tZm9yLXRoaXMtYWdnaWUtcGxheWVyLXNob3VsZC1oYXZlLWEtbS1mYW5zLWp1bXBpbmctZm9yLWpveSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) speaks volumes about Howell’s potential and the expectations surrounding him. Being mentioned in the first round is a significant honor, and it suggests that Howell is on track for a breakout season in 2025.
Texas A&M fans have been waiting for a player like Howell to emerge, and ESPN’s projection has only heightened anticipation for the upcoming season. If Howell can live. While it’s still early in the process, this projection up to the hype, he could become the next great Aggie defensive lineman to make a splash in the NFL.
### A&M’s Draft Resurgence
Texas A&M has been absent from first-round draft discussions in recent years, but Howell’s projection signals a shift in momentum. In addition to Howell, **PFF’s mock draft** recently included **Ar’maj Reed-Adams** and **Taurean York** in the first round, further highlighting the talent on Texas A&M’s roster [A](https://gigemgazette.com/espn-s-projection-for-this-aggie-player-should-have-a-m-fans-jumping-for-joy?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXWnltUXNwU0xtTm44N0ZFcm5vWkwiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUndoa201Z0hOOU5yVW1wZDlzZnZ6IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZ2lnZW1nYXpldHRlLmNvbVwvZXNwbi1zLXByb2plY3Rpb24tZm9yLXRoaXMtYWdnaWUtcGxheWVyLXNob3VsZC1oYXZlLWEtbS1mYW5zLWp1bXBpbmctZm9yLWpveSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Head coach **Mike Elko** has been instrumental in developing players and putting them in a position to succeed at the next level.
### What’s Next for Howell?
For Howell, the focus now shifts to proving himself on the field. If he can dominate in 2025, his draft stock will continue to rise, and he could solidify his place as a first-round pick. Texas A&M fans will be watching closely, hoping that Howell can deliver on the promise that ESPN has projected.
With the season approaching, Howell has the chance to make a lasting impact and cement his legacy in Aggieland. If ESPN’s prediction comes true, Texas A&M fans will have plenty to celebrate as Howell takes his talents to the NFL. Until then, all eyes will be on him as he prepares for what could be a career-defining season.
