Locked On 49ers - Daily Podcast On The San Francisco 49ers FUTURE 49ERS: Cashius Howell, R Mason Thomas, Akheem Mesidor Scouting Reports
Feb 27, 2026
Scouting reports on three edge rushers linked to the 49ers' 2026 draft plans. They debate surprising Combine testing versus game tape and how measurements like arm length change evaluations. Discussion covers each player's pass-rush traits, scheme fits, age and injury concerns, and projected draft range.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cassius Howell Is A Speed Specialist With Short Arms
- Cassius Howell is a twitchy, designated speed rusher who flashes elite bend and closing speed off the edge.
- He ran a 4.51 40 with a 1.5 10-yard split and won consistently at Texas A&M despite a problematic 30.25-inch arm length.
Arm Length Is A Threshold Trait For Edge Rushers
- Short arm length is a measurable red flag for edge prospects and narrows comps because very few successful NFL edge rushers have ~30-inch arms.
- Teams treat arm length as a threshold trait, so Howell's 30-inch arms could push him from late first into the early-mid second range.
Draft Cassius Howell Only With A Clear Role
- Evaluate Howell based on scheme fit: draft him if you have a defined plan to use him as a standup designated pass rusher rather than a 4-3 set edge setter.
- Prefer selecting him late first to early second unless you can confirm a role beyond third-down pass rushing.