Texas A&M is about to make some serious noise in this year’s NFL Draft - and it’s no accident. Under new head coach Mike Elko, the Aggies have not only found their identity, but they’ve also become a legitimate pipeline to the pros.
That’s a shift from years past, when NFL talent development wasn’t exactly the program’s strong suit. But now?
Elko’s imprint is all over this roster, and the results are showing up in a big way.
One name that’s already drawing serious buzz: Cashius Howell. The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a transfer from Bowling Green, Howell has turned heads with his explosive play off the edge. He’s transformed himself into a potential first-round pick - the kind of player who can change the dynamic of a defense the moment he steps onto the field.
There’s still some mystery around where exactly Howell will land, but there’s growing chatter about a possible fit that would light up both College Station and Arlington: the Dallas Cowboys. Longtime Cowboys analyst Bob Sturm floated the idea that Howell could be a strong fit in Dallas, particularly as a complement to Donovan Ezeiruaku in an odd-front scheme. That’s the kind of pairing that could give opposing quarterbacks nightmares.
And let’s be honest - for Aggies fans who also bleed silver and blue, the idea of Howell suiting up with a star on his helmet is more than just intriguing. It’s electric.
Dallas is clearly paying attention to what’s happening in College Station. The Cowboys hold two first-round picks - No. 12 and No. 20 - after the Micah Parsons trade, and that second pick lines up right around where Howell is currently projected. It’s not a lock, but it’s in the neighborhood.
Of course, the pre-draft process will tell us a lot. Howell’s athleticism and production are undeniable, but his measurables could be a sticking point.
He was overlooked as a recruit for similar reasons - his size doesn’t jump off the page - and that could cause some teams to hesitate. But if Dallas sticks to its board and trusts the tape, Howell could be a steal.
There’s still a long way to go between now and draft night, but one thing’s clear: Cashius Howell has put himself in the conversation. And if the Cowboys are serious about retooling their defense with young, hungry talent, Howell might just be their guy.