Silver And Black Pride
Position: EDGE Rusher
Height: 6’2
Weight: 255
Stats: 2025 (8 games) – 31 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 45 pressures, 24.7% win rate
Class/Age: RS Senior, 22
Team: Texas A&M
Howell is an electric pass rusher providing an elite blend of athleticism, twitch, bend, and arm length that will translate to the NFL quickly. Howell possess an elite first step and explodes off the LOS into the rep where he’s able to get upfield quickly and utilize his twitch/bend to defeat tackles with ease. Additionally, Howell’s first step and quickness off the LOS translates to his run defense where he’s consistently off the ball quickly and getting into the backfield to collapse rushing lanes. Despite his 6’2 height, Howell has experience lining up at a 7, 9, 5, and sometimes inside at a 3i or 3 tech which allows him to utilize his traits to defeat guards and tackle at a high level. Howell has heavy hands that are powerful at the POA while also showcasing advanced pass rush moves including an elite level swipe, chop, and swim move along with some spin technique as well. Howell has longer arms then usual for a 6’2 pass rusher which allow him to jab the tackle and utilize his ability to dip and win. He showcases the ability to work lateral and vertical at the same time with a phenomenal understanding of the pocket and how he can collapse the passing lanes along with taking away scramble opportunities. The senior stays quick through his rep with elite hip and ankle flexibility that allows him to pair the bend/twitch with quick steps and he’s light on his feet to allow him to re-correct mid rush and collapse. Howell has an understanding for the run game, often utilizing his athletic ability to dip under tackles and tight ends to get into the backfield and collapse a wide rushing lane. Howell also possess an elite motor consistently playing at a high energy level and has the ability to play every down defense if required at the same level. He’s consistently playing through the snap, pursuing rushers from the backside end position, while also running downfield to also make a tackle on pass attempts.
At just 6’2/245 the size is a small concern for Howell, who doesn’t have the prototypical NFL profile. He will need to improve his lower body power in order to become a successful run defender in the NFL against inside runs and double teams where often Howell is flushed out due to his inability to anchor. Howell can be too aggressive at times, leaving open rushing lanes or whiffing a sack as he is almost too athletic for his own good. Additionally, Howell will need to continue to refine specific pass rush moves other than the three he often utilizes, though that should be rather easy given his advanced technique in those departments already. Howell’s pass rush plans in terms of counter moves will need to...
