Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Locked On Cowboys – Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys
Episode: DRAFT: Dallas Cowboys MUST Draft Cashius Howell! | 3 First Round EDGE Prospects Dallas SHOULD Target!
Hosts: Marcus Mosher, Landon McCool
Release Date: February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the second tier of edge rusher prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on players who could realistically be available for the Dallas Cowboys at pick number 20. Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the traits, strengths, and concerns of three intriguing pass rushers—Cashius Howell (Texas A&M), Keldrick Falk (Auburn), and Akheem Mesidor (Miami)—and how each might fit into the Cowboys’ defensive plans. The hosts provide detailed scouting insights, player comparisons, and spirited debate on draft philosophy and scheme fit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys’ Draft Need: Micah Parsons Replacement?

• [01:12] Marcus introduces the episode theme: while the Cowboys are seeking their next impact edge rusher, replicating Micah Parsons is unlikely, so targeting "Tier 2" prospects at pick 20 is the focus.
• This episode spotlights players outside the top three: Reuben Bain, David Bailey, Arval Reese.

2. Cashius Howell (Texas A&M): Explosive, Undersized Game-Changer

Profile and Early Impressions

• [02:50–06:49] Landon details Howell’s rise from a “meager” three-star recruit ranked 2162 in the class of 2021, through Bowling Green, then Texas A&M.
• Noted for being undersized (6'2", ~250 lbs), but with a powerful lower half and “sawed off” physique.

Scouting Report

• "He just kind of has a, like a shorter torso, but he's got really strong lower half… He's sudden, but he's also very, very physical for being that size." – Landon McCool [03:38]
• Effective in pass rush roles, with experience dropping into coverage (approx. 10–15% of snaps).
• Leverages natural leverage, burst, and core strength to win against bigger linemen, but is susceptible to being moved by NFL-sized blockers.

Key Strengths & Weaknesses

• "Explosion, suddenness, and power are his game more than fluidity." – Landon McCool [05:10]
• Concerns about his lack of length: 30¾ inch arms, 73-inch wingspan—the smallest for any edge rusher at the NFL combine.
• Marcus minimizes worry over weight/height, referencing successful sub-250lb players, but flags the short arms as significant.

Scheme Fit & Draft Value

• “You have him dropping into coverage a little bit… I think he would fit that role excellently.” – Landon McCool [08:06]
• Best suited as a specialized pass-rushing outside linebacker in schemes like Dallas runs. Might be scheme-limited, but is a perfect fit for Cowboys' odd-front defense.
• “If it’s pick 20 and not pick 12, he’s just going to be a part of a defensive line, and I think he can add the juice that this defense desperately needs.” – Marcus Mosher [07:48]

Development & Projection

• Not expected to be a three-down starter immediately; likely impactful as a situational rusher and developmental piece.
• Both agree Howell’s scheme-specific fit could push him down boards, making him available at 20 and potentially a “steal.”

Summary Quote

• “If the Cowboys took him at 20, I would be thrilled. It’s not going to be Micah Parsons, but you’re adding somebody with Donovan as a Rocku. That helps give you a lot of juice.” – Marcus Mosher [09:49]

Notable Segment:

• Howell’s fit for Dallas and physical profile – [06:49–10:25]

3. Keldrick Falk (Auburn): Raw, Massive “Ball of Clay”

[14:03–23:03]

Physical Profile & Versatility

• 6’5”–6’6”, 270–280 lbs, 34.5” arms, 10” hands; extremely long and strong, with versatility to play both inside and out.
• Only 20 years old, played up and down Auburn’s defensive line, sometimes to his own developmental detriment.

Evaluative Take

• “He’s a jack of all trades, master of none right now at 20 years old. And he specifically needs to sit down with the defensive line coach and learn one position, I think, and he'll get better.” – Landon McCool [15:40]
• Lower-body flexibility, strength to anchor, and ability to deconstruct blocks all noted, but lacks polish as a dedicated edge rusher.

Concerns & Projection

• Needs to further develop a pass rush plan and finish plays—produces pressure but not always sacks.
• Projection hinges on upside; not an immediate Edge 1 or even Edge 2, but has rare tools to become a critical rotational and matchup piece.

Player Comparison & Value

• Marcus parallels Mikel Williams' draft profile last year; sees similar “bet on traits” proposition.
• “I think the hope is that you’re getting like an Eric Armstead type of player.” – Marcus Mosher [20:39]
• Both agree: Falk makes most sense as a developmental piece, not the centerpiece of a pass rush unit.

Notable Segment:

• Falk’s evaluation as a versatile, high-upside project – [14:03–21:21]

4. Akheem Mesidor (Miami): Polish and Production, But Flags

Physical & Background

• [24:47–29:51] – Shorter, stocky rusher (~6’2”, 260+ lbs), very springy lower half.
• Entering NFL as a 25-year-old rookie due to repeated injuries (notably foot, elbow, and lingering “lower extremity” issues).

On-Field Skills

• “On the field he’s incredible, right? He plays with good pad level, has a good forward lean in his play posture. He’s a fluid athlete… everything is extremely well-timed. High motor, relentless pursuer, plays with a plan, incredibly well-developed as a pass rusher.” – Landon McCool [25:15]
• Can rush inside and outside; hand usage already NFL-caliber.

Issues & Debate

• Serious age and injury questions, as well as concerning lack of power for his age/conference.
• “I couldn’t be more out on Akeem Mesidor as a first [round pick]. …I don’t see anybody that has NFL power at all. That should be—if you’re 24 years old playing in that conference and you don’t show any kind of power. That is terrifying to me.” – Marcus Mosher [28:11]
• Landon is willing to bet on Mesidor’s unique polish, arguing “the tape shows a guy that is… elite with his hand usage in a way that I haven’t seen a lot of guys come out of college doing.”
• Both agree he’s unlikely to be a first-rounder; day 2 seems more realistic given profile.

Notable Segment:

• Heated debate on Mesidor’s value and risk – [28:11–29:51]

Memorable Quotes

• On Howell’s NFL potential:
  “He is sudden in that sense, but maybe not a guy that’s Gumby… he added strong hands. And he can control his blocker. Needs to vary his pass rush moves a little bit.” – Landon McCool [05:06]

• On scheme fit for Howell:
  “If we’re able to put this guy way out of the outside like in a W9 technique, just bend around the corner, use that first step and be explosive. I don’t worry about it.” – Marcus Mosher [07:47]

• On Falk’s developmental needs:
  “He’s a jack of all trades, master of none right now at 20 years old… It’s hard to ignore the fact that he’s 6'5", 280 and he plays with such a smooth—good pad level and can get around… He just hasn’t quite seemingly put it all together yet.” – Landon McCool [16:45]

• On Mesidor’s upside and risk:
  “I think if I had to choose one player to win one pass rush rep out of the whole class, it would be Mesidor. I think he’s that good as a pass rusher. … But the injury and the age are the two biggest negatives to talk about.” – Landon McCool [27:46]

• On Mesidor’s first-round viability:
  “If you’re 24 years old playing in that conference and you don’t show any kind of power, that is terrifying to me. On top of the injury concerns, on top of the age concerns… this is somebody that you draft in the middle of day two, early on day three of the draft, and put him in your rotation.” – Marcus Mosher [28:11]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & episode overview: [01:12–02:50]
• Cashius Howell breakdown: [02:50–11:13]
• Howell’s scheme fit & draft range: [06:49–10:25]
• Keldrick Falk introduction & scouting: [14:03–23:03]
• Akheem Mesidor discussion and debate: [24:47–29:51]

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for draft enthusiasts and Cowboys diehards wanting nuanced, in-the-weeds scouting talk on edge rush prospects likely to be in range at Dallas’ first-round pick. The hosts’ contrasting outlooks—particularly regarding Mesidor—offer depth and balance, while detailed player insight grounds the discussion firmly in scouting reality.

If you’re looking for scheme context, evaluative philosophy, and realistic draft scenarios for the Cowboys on edge rushers outside the consensus top tier, this episode delivers.