PROSPECT VS PROSPECT: Cashius Howell VERSUS Akheem Mesidor! Who would you rather have?

In this bonus episode of Locked On Eagles, host Ross Jackson dives into a Prospect vs. Prospect matchup between two top edge rusher prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft: Texas A&M's Cassius Howell and Miami's Akeem Mesidor. Both players are highly productive, with Howell recording 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, and Mesidor notching 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss during their 2025 seasons. Jackson argues that edge rusher is the deepest position in this year’s draft, making it likely the Eagles will target one of these two if they stay at pick 23. However, each player carries a major red flag: Howell has extremely short 30-inch arms, a rare trait for a first-round edge rusher, while Mesidor will be 26 years old in 2026 and 31 by the end of his rookie deal. Jackson weighs the risks and concludes that despite Howell’s physical limitations, he prefers him due to his elite athleticism, bend, and long-term upside. He views Howell as a safer long-term investment, especially given the depth at edge rusher and the Eagles’ existing defensive depth. While Mesidor could provide immediate impact, Jackson believes the age risk outweighs the short-term benefit, especially when better, younger options are available.