Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell a potential Chicago Bears target in NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears are trying to get more athletic on defense, but could Texas A&M linebacker Cashius Howell fit the bill?

Howell had three years of strong stats with the Aggies, but some questions remain about his ability to translate that success to the NFL level, giving the Bears a lot to think about when they use their No. 25 pick in the first round.

To start with the positives, Howell burst onto the national scene in a big way in the 2025 season, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and becoming just the 11th unanimous All-American in Aggies’ history.

NBC Chicago’s Lou Canellis highlighted Howell’s speed off the rush, with 11.5 sacks and 41 QB pressures on the season showing that ability to get off the ball quickly.

He is also incredibly elusive in the pass rush, with opponents struggling to react quickly enough to his moves at the line of scrimmage.

The Bears were toward the bottom of the league in sacks last season and one of the league’s worst rush defenses, meaning they’ll undoubtedly be looking to improve their defensive line in the draft, where they’ll have three picks within the first 60 selections.

While NFL.com’s draft profile praises Howell’s athleticism and elusiveness, there are questions about his ability to set the edge on rushing downs, and he also struggled with his handwork at the line of scrimmage, making it difficult for him to shed blocks from longer-armed offensive linemen.

There are also questions about his size, though improved technique could help him in that regard, according to Canellis and NFL.com.

Be sure to tune into NBC Chicago throughout the week leading up to the draft, as Lou Canellis and former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt break down the Bears’ picks and preview what’s ahead for the team.