Aidan Hutchinson
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CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli projected the Detroit Lions to select edge rusher Cashius Howell at No. 17 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
To build an elite NFL defense, it’s nearly essential to have a top edge rusher. The Detroit Lions possess that with Aidan Hutchinson.
But similar to the way it is on offense with quarterback, it still takes more than one position to be consistently great. That’s why it makes a lot of sense for the Lions to address edge rusher in some significant capacity this offseason.
CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli sees the 2026 NFL draft as the best way.
In his newest mock draft released this week, Fornelli projected the Lions to pick Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell at No. 17 overall.
“Cashius Howell is a high-motor, productive pass rusher who has shown the ability to line up at different spots,” Fornelli wrote. “He’s probably not somebody you want dropping into coverage a lot, which could make him less attractive to some teams, but the Lions need another edge to take some of the load off Aidan Hutchinson.”