Detroit’s pass rush already has a centerpiece, but the search for a running mate is gaining clarity. One explosive SEC edge with double-digit sack production has emerged as a fit for the Lions.

According to Detroit News, the Lions are looking for a reliable defensive end, and Cashius Howell of Texas A&M Aggies would be an answer. 

The Texas A&M edge rusher is known for his elite speed, non-stop motor, and rapid development into a premier pass-rushing playmaker.

Howell started his NCAA career with Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in 2021. Later on, he entered the transfer portal and joined Texas A&M in 2024. 

During his five-year collegiate career, he has played in 56 games and recorded 73 solo tackles with an impressive double-digit sack of 11.5.

Howell offers the 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade and 19.9% win rate needed to solve Detroit's pressure deficit opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

As the 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, he recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss, aligning with the Lions' "grit" philosophy.

For his performance in his last collegiate season, Howell received a PFF grade of 81.2 while playing for 591 snaps. 

According to NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, Howell would be a "will eventually be plus starter" with the prospect rating of  6.38. 

Zierlein has his concerns around him. 

“He’s frequently knocked around at the point and struggles to consistently execute tasks asked of an NFL edge-setter,” Zierlein writes.

But NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah has a different opinion. 

“I know he lacks prototypical measurements, but a smart team will set that aside and add an energetic force off the edge,” adds Jeremiah, who ranked Howell 28th on his big board.

According to 247Sports, Howell is a three-star prospect in this year's draft class. Previously, in 2024, he was a four-star prospect but chose to stay in the Aggies, following in the footsteps of future Hall of Fame edge rushers Von Miller and Myles Garrett.

Joey Bosa Emerges as Another Edge Option for the Detroit Lions

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Lions are not linked to draft prospects but free agents and one of them is Buffalo Bills’ Joey Bosa. 

According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Lions are one of the best fits for Bosa in 2026.

“Pass-rusher Joey Bosa may turn 31 in July, but he remains an effective and disruptive rotational defender. This past season, he recorded five sacks, 24 quarterback pressures, and nine tackles for loss for the Buffalo Bills,” wrote Knox.

The San Diego Chargers drafted Bosa with the third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.

In his last season, he appeared in 15 games and recorded 22 tackles. He generated 47 total pressures as a pass rusher in 563 snaps. 

For his gameplay, he earned a PFF grade of 79.3. 

Bosa is an edge rusher known for his elite pass-rushing skills, quick burst off the snap, and high-impact disruptive play.

“Bosa would be a great fit for the Detroit Lions, who still don’t have a high-end complement to Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit added D.J. Wonnum in free agency, but it has room for Bosa in the pass-rushing rotation,” Knox concluded.

The edge rushing room is still empty, and the clock is ticking for the Lions.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker