Texas A&M might be on the verge of making NFL Draft history again-and if Lance Zierlein’s latest 2026 mock draft is any indication, the Aggies could be sending a trio of players into the first round for just the third time ever. The last time it happened?
- Before that, 1994.
Now, with a strong showing from a transfer pass rusher, a dynamic playmaker at receiver, and a versatile interior lineman, the Aggies are knocking on that door once again.
Let’s break it down.
Cashius Howell: A Disruptive Force Off the Edge
Cashius Howell is no stranger to first-round buzz, and for good reason. After transferring from Bowling Green, he wasted no time making a name for himself in the SEC.
His 2025 campaign was the stuff of legend at College Station-11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 41 pressures, and a unanimous All-American nod. He became just the 11th player in Texas A&M history to earn that distinction.
Add in SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and a first-team All-SEC spot, and you’ve got a résumé that screams top-tier edge talent.
Zierlein has Howell going 23rd overall to the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that could use a jolt in the pass rush department. With no player on Philly’s roster topping 6.5 sacks last season, Howell’s explosiveness off the edge could be exactly what they need.
He’s not a finished product against the run, but his ability to pressure quarterbacks is already NFL-ready. Expect his stock to rise even further if he tests well at the Combine later this month.
KC Concepcion: A Swiss Army Knife With First-Round Flash
KC Concepcion turned heads in his one season at A&M after transferring from NC State, and he did it in just about every way possible. Whether it was stretching the field as a wideout, taking handoffs out of the backfield, or flipping the field as a punt returner, Concepcion did it all-and did it at an elite level.
His stat line tells the story: 61 catches, 919 yards, nine touchdowns, plus a rushing score and two punt return TDs. He averaged over 18 yards per punt return and earned consensus All-American honors as an all-purpose player. That versatility helped him take home the Paul Hornung Award and first-team All-SEC recognition in three different roles-receiver, all-purpose, and returner.
Zierlein slots Concepcion at No. 30 overall to the Denver Broncos, praising his ability to separate against man coverage. That’s a skill that translates immediately to the pro level, especially in an AFC West division loaded with high-powered offenses. Concepcion’s decision to declare early looks like a smart one-his draft stock is firmly in the first-round conversation.
Chase Bisontis: Underrated No More
Chase Bisontis may be the most surprising name in Zierlein’s mock first round, but don’t let that fool you-this guy’s been a rock for the Aggies up front. A three-year starter who began his career at right tackle before shifting to left guard, Bisontis brings both experience and positional flexibility to the table. That’s gold in today’s NFL, where interior O-line play is more important than ever.
While most projections had him pegged for Day 2, Zierlein sees Bisontis sneaking into the first round at No. 32 overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has a need at guard opposite last year’s first-rounder Grey Zabel, and Bisontis fits the bill as a tough, scheme-versatile lineman who can step in and contribute right away. He earned third-team All-SEC honors last season and opted to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the draft.
What’s Next: Combine and Draft Day
All eyes now turn to Indianapolis, where the NFL Scouting Combine (Feb. 23-March 2) will give these Aggies-and many others-a chance to showcase their athleticism and polish in front of scouts, coaches, and GMs from all 32 teams. For Howell, Concepcion, and Bisontis, it’s a chance to solidify their first-round status or even climb higher.
The 2026 NFL Draft, set to take place in Pittsburgh, will be the final word. But if this trio continues to build on their momentum, Texas A&M could be celebrating another historic draft class come April.