The NFL Draft is a week away, and the buzz is intensifying around what the Dallas Cowboys will do once they're on the clock.
Trade buzz between the Cowboys and Cleveland Browns has gained serious traction, with multiple mock drafts projecting Dallas to move up to No. 6 overall. If that happens, the Cowboys would land a blue-chip defender and likely add Cleveland’s No. 39 pick as part of the deal.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles has emerged as the consensus target if the Cowboys move up to No. 6. At No. 39, Jerry Jones would have a no-brainer decision if SEC sack leader Cashius Howell is still on the board.
The Dallas Cowboys should take Cashius Howell at No. 39 if they trade with the Browns
As loaded as this pass rush class is with David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr., Zion Young, Akheem Mesidor, and T.J. Parker, Howell is a name the Cowboys could luck into at No. 39. In the event a trade with the Browns goes through, this is a pick the fanbase would quickly embrace.
Cowboys fans will feel even better about that possibility when they see ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. projecting Howell to the Bengals at No. 41, just two picks after No. 39. Kiper has Dallas taking T.J. Parker at No. 39, but most mocks view the former Clemson standout as a late first-round pick.
The 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year led the conference with 11.5 sacks last season and totaled 27 in his college career. From his scouting report, Howell has tremendous flexibility and an explosive first step. Don't expect him to be a star right away, but he can take advantage of slow-footed offensive linemen, which is a huge plus to get started.
Like Bain, NFL scouts have raised concerns about Howell’s arm length. But if he shows the same speed and explosiveness that made him a star at Texas A&M, there’s little doubt he can develop into a starter at the next level. He’s too skilled for his arm length to be a dealbreaker.
Howell may not be as good a run defender as he is a pass rusher, but as long as there's room for him to focus solely on pressuring the quarterback, he'd be an impact player for Christian Parker.
Even with the Cowboys adding Rashan Gary to bolster their defensive front, they still need more, and Howell could provide immediate impact with his top-tier résumé as the SEC’s most productive defender.
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