Kelvin Sheppard is likely chomping at the bit to try and land an additional starting pass rusher next to Aidan Hutchinson this offseason. Adding that dimension to his defense would be a game-changer, in addition to ensuring the team has locked up starting depth at safety and proper backups at cornerback.
The draft offers some great optionality at all three of those positional groups, but especially at pass rusher. Many mock drafts have Detroit either opting for a backup tackle, a guard, or an edge at 17th overall.
While several offensive linemen definitely stood out during the NFL Scouting Combine, edge rusher feels like a slightly more necessary position to invest in with Detroit really struggling to get to the quarterback in 2026. PFF's latest mock draft, penned by lead NFL Draft analyst Trevor Sikkema, has Detroit addressing that hole by snagging Cashius Howell in the 1st round.
"Howell had a bit of an up-and-down week at the combine. His arm length was verified as one of the shortest of any edge rusher since 1999. He then placed in the 40th percentile in the broad and vertical jumps and the 80th percentile in the 40-yard dash and the 10-yard split before tweaking his hamstring during on-field drills. Regardless, Howell was one of the top pass rushers in college football over the past three seasons, bringing a tenacious and relentless rush style, and would pair nicely with Aidan Hutchinson."
Lions net questionable pass rusher in PFF's latest mock draft
Aside from those measurements, which became the talk of the town given both Howell's and Rueben Bain Jr.'s combine this past week, Howell is projected to be a "plus starter" by Lance Zierlein, NFL.com's lead draft expert. Detroit is likely to have a really decent pool of edge rushers to pick from at 17, and Howell would be one of their better options.
"Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals. Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential," writes Zierlein of Howell's standout qualities.
READ MORE: Potential Lions NFL Draft steal just made things way harder on Brad Holmes
In addition to those concerning measurements, though, Howell also isn't a stellar run defender. That can be problematic for the Lions considering they're looking to bounce back from a poor run defending season, and as they might be losing DJ Reader and Alex Anzalone in free agency and will need to rely on younger defensive lineman to step up in that area.
Still, he'd be worth the investment given his aggressiveness bending around offensive lines, his strong hands, and his motor. Detroit needs to invest in its youth again, and Howell is an excellent way to kick off what should be a great draft haul for Brad Holmes.