Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter is a defense-oriented. As a result, crafting a defense to fit his scheme requires specific talent. FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt believes that the team will draft Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell with the No. 14 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, stating:
“I got to know new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter when he was Michigan’s defensive coordinator for a couple of seasons, and the principles of that defense start with hard edges. The Ravens also have a need for some pass-rush help, ranking in the bottom five in sacks. Howell was one of the better pass rushers in the country this past season, getting 11.5 sacks in 13 games.”
In 2025, the Ravens tallied 30 sacks, ranking near the bottom in the league. Moreover, no team allowed more than the 399 surrendered by Baltimore. On top of that, the defense generated pressure on 19% of passing downs. Meaning, opponents felt comfortable completing throws at all three levels, without fear of a pass rush. Meanwhile, Minter’s former team, the Los Angeles Chargers, ranked among the league’s better units.
In Klatt’s opinion, Howell fits the scheme and provides the needed burst on the outside. How would he look in the scheme, with expectations of both a first-round pick and a presumptive game-changer? Last
GettyTexas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell during an October 4, 2025 game against Mississippi State.
Does Howell Provide the Setting Capabilities Required in Minter’s Defense?
In Minter’s defense, he wants to use a five-man defensive line. With three disruptive interior tackles and the edges on the line of scrimmage to create the illusion of one-on-ones. However, he doesn’t always send both rushers, at least, not immediately. Howell’s film suggests that he would seamlessly fit into the chaos. With a few aspects of his game that catch the eye, a couple could provide immediate help for the Ravens.
First, Howell’s first step covers so much ground that he almost gets hip-to-hip with tackles to the outside. As a result, quarterbacks will occasionally hesitate, wondering whether to run through the vacancy or wait another second for the receiver to get free. Next, the Aggie rusher can quick-stop and change direction, whether he’s pass-rushing or driving down to stop the run.
With a weight of 248 pounds, there are some concerns about whether Howell can hold up to the rigors of the NFL season in regard to facing much larger blockers. At the same time, gaining 10-15 pounds should not affect his flexibility to a discernible amount.
Oh okay Cashius Howell (EDGE #9)… nice to see you too.
Upfield burst, bend, finish. Good lord! pic.twitter.com/kYzZ9U8Xw6
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) February 7, 2026
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Will a Free Agent Signing Hurt the Ravens’ Chances to Draft Howell?
If the Ravens choose to sign a top-level free agent, like Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson or Los Angeles’ Khalil Mack, that could change the dynamic. Investing at least $18 million per year usually prevents a double dip in the elite edge rusher market. Yet former Atlanta edge Arnold Ebiketie would figure in at $9 million per Spotrac, opening the door to drafting Howell.
You cannot overstate the importance of the pass rush to the success of Jesse Minter’s defense. As is the case with many teams, it solves a myriad of problems behind them. Will Howell end up being the problem solver?
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