The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 NFL Draft, with a keen eye on bolstering their linebacker corps. One name that's been buzzing around the draft room is Cashius Howell, an edge defender with intriguing potential. But is he the right fit for the Bucs?
General Manager Jason Licht has carved out a reputation for not just snagging the best player available, but also prioritizing top-tier athleticism. Howell certainly turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine, blazing through drills with the fastest time bending around the edge. Yet, despite this standout moment, his overall Combine performance left some questions, especially in a class teeming with front seven talent.
Howell's athletic profile, measured by his Relative Athletic Score (RAS), didn't quite meet the lofty expectations. Scoring an 8.11 out of 10, Howell fell short of the standard Licht has historically set for first-round picks. In nearly a decade of drafts, Licht has never selected a first-rounder with a RAS below 9.0.
So, is Howell the exception to Licht's rule? It's a tough call.
At pick No. 15, the Buccaneers will weigh whether Howell is the top edge rusher available or if they should pivot to other athletic standouts at inside linebacker. The likelihood of Howell being the choice seems slim, especially post-Combine.
However, there are compelling reasons why Licht might still consider Howell. His game tape from Texas A&M is nothing short of impressive, showcasing a work ethic and skill set that could outweigh Combine numbers. Additionally, while his RAS score suffered due to short arm measurements, history shows that many successful edge rushers have overcome similar physical traits.
Furthermore, Howell's speed off the edge, both in games and at the Combine, is a significant asset. If Licht is enamored with Howell's film and deems the edge rusher position crucial enough to deviate from his typical "best available" strategy, Howell could indeed become an exception to the rule.
In the end, the decision will hinge on whether Howell's on-field prowess and potential fit within the Buccaneers' defensive scheme outweigh the metrics that have guided Licht's draft decisions in the past.