Texas A&M sent 13 players to the 2026 NFL Combine. Here is a rundown of each player that needs to be replaced as well as the possible replacements for each.
Edge Cashius Howell wasn't just a premier pass rusher for the Aggies with his 11.5 sacks…he was someone that opponents had to game plan around, often unsuccessfully. His get off meant that offenses had to get the ball out faster in the passing game which restricted the types of routes, protections, and timing they could use. He was always getting up field which made him difficult to avoid in the running game, even if he was overrunning plays.
Northwestern transfer Anto Saka flashed as a true freshman for the Wildcats with 14 pressures and six sacks in just 78 pass rush snaps during the 2023 campaign. He had 27 pressures each of the past two seasons although he stayed around four to six snaps. He has showed off some of the things that Howell has although not quite to the same level: get off, bend, and violent. There was some thought that A&M could work with him to improve his technique (moves and countermoves after initial contact) at a program with more resources, and that would enable him to be more of a finisher than he was in Evanston.
Second year man Marco Jones has lots of length and the former high school linebacker is someone who wants to play on the offense's side of the ball. He can drop into coverage as well. However, he is going to win with length, leverage, and perhaps as someone who will run people down via his effort level. In addition, his frame suggests that he might be better off as more of a strong side guy who is better equipped to hold ground at the point of attack.
San Diego State transfer Ryan Henderson was part of a four player rotation for the Aztecs in 2025, seeing the field primarily on passing downs. He still put up some numbers in the role with 31 pressures and eight sacks, displaying the ability to line up all over their front. Henderson can be a speed to power guy who can flatten his route to the quarterback and has a good finishing kick. However, his frame may limit his usage on earlier downs (the Aztecs' coaching staff certainly did that) and he also wants to bounce around the front quite a bit in pursuit of the quarterback.
Saka or Henderson spent most (about 60% of their snaps) rushing the passer in 2025 as opposed to being run defenders. They could be a pretty solid duo providing pressure as part of a rotation even if they don't completely mirror Howell's impact on a game. However, they are going to have to provide an increased down to down impact compared to what we have seen from them in the past, and that includes playing the run (which is more of Jones' strength as a player).