By Moses Joshua 
Analysts project Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell as the ideal complement to Detroit’s dominant pass rusher.
Building a Fearsome Duo on the Edge
The Detroit Lions’ defense has been defined by Aidan Hutchinson’s relentless motor and leadership — but even great pass rushers need a capable counterpart. According to The Sporting News’ latest mock draft, Detroit may have finally found that missing piece. Analysts project that the Lions will use their upcoming first-round pick to select Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell, a fierce and physical defender whose energy and power could perfectly balance Hutchinson’s refined technique.
At 6’2″ and 248 pounds, Howell has emerged as one of college football’s most disruptive front-line players. During the 2024 season, he appeared in 13 games — including one start — and posted 40 tackles, four sacks, and one interception, showcasing his knack for making impact plays across multiple phases of defense.
A Relentless Motor and a Pro Mindset
Scouts have raved about Howell’s intensity and toughness. The Draft Network praised his all-out approach and physical style of play, describing him as “a high-motor, high-energy player who appears to have the right temperament to be a tone-setter as a defensive player.” The report also highlighted Howell’s blend of raw strength and discipline at the point of attack:
“[He] has the strength as a pass rusher to consistently win with power, and the strength in the run game to set a defined edge and stop ball carriers on an outside track.”
That skill set could be exactly what Detroit’s defensive line has been missing — a player who can handle the dirty work on the opposite side of Hutchinson, freeing the star pass rusher to focus on creating chaos in the backfield.
Room to Grow — and a System That Fits
While Howell’s aggressive nature makes him a natural fit for the Lions’ scheme, scouts also note areas for improvement. His coverage ability remains a work in progress, something The Draft Network attributes to limited experience in space.
“Howell looks uncomfortable at times when asked to drop into coverage. This could be attributed to a lack of reps. He needs to be coached on keys and technique dropping into coverage against the pass.”
Fortunately for Howell, Detroit’s coaching staff — led by head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard — has a proven record of maximizing defensive talent. Under their guidance, players like Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Brian Branch have developed rapidly, suggesting Howell could follow a similar path.
The Perfect Partner for Hutchinson?
If the Lions do select Cashius Howell, they’d be investing not just in talent, but in identity — grit, effort, and relentless pursuit. Paired with Hutchinson, Howell’s presence could give Detroit one of the NFL’s most balanced young pass-rushing tandems, anchoring a defense built on power and pride.
The message from Detroit’s potential draft direction is clear: keep building from the trenches, and never stop hunting.