The Detroit Lions have spent recent seasons trying to find a long-term edge rusher to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson, relying mostly on short-term veteran free agent signings. While those moves have helped in the short term, the franchise is still searching for a permanent solution.

According to Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling, the answer could come in the 2026 NFL Draft. Easterling projects the Lions to select Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell with the No. 17 overall pick in the first round.

“It’s obvious that Aidan Hutchinson is one of the NFL’s most dominant edge defenders, but the Lions are still searching for a worthy running mate who can line up across from him and take advantage of one-on-one opportunities,” Easterling wrote. “Howell proved in 2025 that he’s capable of single-handedly ending drives and taking over games, and he can win with a wide range of tools, from speed and power to polished technique and well-timed counter moves.”

Cashius Howell Emerges as 2026 NFL Draft Target for Lions

Howell broke out as a star for Texas A&M during the 2025 college football season, putting together an impressive statistical résumé:

11.5 sacks

14 tackles for loss

31 total tackles

1 forced fumble

Over five collegiate seasons, Howell recorded:

127 total tackles

35.5 tackles for loss

27 sacks

His combination of power, speed, and pass-rush technique makes him an ideal candidate to complement Hutchinson on Detroit’s defensive line.

Why the Lions Need Another Edge Rusher Opposite Aidan Hutchinson

The Lions enjoyed strong production from their defensive ends in 2025, with Hutchinson forming a productive duo alongside Al-Quadin Muhammad. Both players reached double-digit sack totals, and Muhammad set a new career high with 11 sacks.

However, Muhammad is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, and with his breakout season coming at age 30, it appears unlikely Detroit will commit major long-term money to retain him.

That makes finding a young, cost-controlled pass rusher a priority — and selecting one early in the 2026 NFL Draft could be the most logical path forward.

Pairing Hutchinson with a prospect like Howell would give the Lions a potential long-term edge-rushing duo capable of anchoring their defense for years to come.