Chargers Draft Projected Top Pass Rusher Cashius Howell

Howell to learn from 9-time Pro Bowler Khalil Mack in Los Angeles

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:24pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the explosive movements and overlapping perspectives of a football pass rush, using the Chargers' team colors to represent the dynamic pairing of Cashius Howell and Khalil Mack.Howell's selection by the Chargers provides a chance for the young pass rusher to learn from one of the best in Khalil Mack.Los Angeles Today

Cashius Howell, a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is expected to be selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 22nd overall pick. Howell, who led the SEC in sacks last season, will have the opportunity to learn from veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack, a 9-time Pro Bowler, as the Chargers look to replace the departed Odafe Oweh.

Why it matters

The Chargers are looking to bolster their pass rush after losing Oweh in free agency, and Howell's selection would provide them with a talented young edge rusher to develop alongside the experienced Mack. Howell's pairing with Mack could prove to be a valuable learning experience for the rookie as he transitions to the NFL.

The details

Howell, a 6-foot-3 edge rusher, is known for his burst off the line and low center of gravity, though he has some concerns about his shorter 30¼-inch arms. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller believes Howell can learn from Mack while working in sub-package roles during his rookie season with the Chargers.

  • Howell led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and 40 pressures in the 2025 season.

The players

Cashius Howell

A projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Howell led the SEC in sacks last season and is known for his burst off the line and low center of gravity, though he has some concerns about his shorter arm length.

Khalil Mack

A 9-time Pro Bowler who has racked up 113 sacks in his NFL career, Mack will serve as a veteran mentor for the rookie Howell as the Chargers look to bolster their pass rush.

Odafe Oweh

The Chargers' former edge rusher who departed in free agency, creating a need that Howell is expected to fill.

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What they’re saying

“The loss of Odafe Oweh in free agency opens the door for a speed rusher in Round 1. Howell led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and added 40 pressures. The 6-foot-3 edge doesn't have ideal NFL length with 30¼-inch arms but is a blur off the line of scrimmage, and he consistently wins with burst and a low center of gravity. Howell can learn from Khalil Mack for a season while working in sub-package roles.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Chargers will look to officially select Howell with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where he will join the team and begin learning from veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack.

The takeaway

Howell's selection by the Chargers provides them with a talented young edge rusher who can develop under the tutelage of the experienced Khalil Mack, potentially forming a formidable pass-rushing duo for the team in the years to come.