Some prospects don't take the NFL Scouting Combine as seriously as they used to. However, it can still make or break a player's chances in the draft. As much as this event can boost a player's draft stock, it can also sink it.
We've seen once-promising prospects who looked like sure things plummet because of the combine. They don't interview well, show health concerns, have disappointing measurements, or don't do well on drills. Everything counts here.
That's why Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell might not be considered a top-tier prospect anymore. And while he may have always been a long shot for the Seattle Seahawks, GM John Schneider may not want anything to do with him anymore.
Cashius Howell's arm measurements should be a massive concern for the Seattle Seahawks
As shown by Pro Football Focus's (subscription required) Max Chadwick, Howell has the shortest arms ever recorded for a player in his position. That 30 1/4 measurement can scare multiple teams away, especially after watching how the New England Patriots ignored the same concerns with Will Campbell last year, and it came back to bite them this season.
While NFL Mock Draft Database had Howell at No. 18, Yahoo Sports' Nate Trice and Charles McDonald may have seen this slide coming. They had him sliding to Seattle at No. 32, but he may now fall right out of the first round.
Howell's college production was remarkable. He had 27 sacks in his five years at College Station, 25 of which came in his final three seasons. When asked about his physical limitations, he vowed to prove the doubters wrong:
“Obviously, you know, I have shorter arms,” Howell said. “That’s just the cards that I was dealt. And I’m going to do everything in my power to perfect my technique and perfect my craft in whatever way possible to make sure my game translates to the next level.”
Howell finished his collegiate career with 11.5 sacks in his final season and SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, so it's not like he can't play. That said, his short arms might represent a massive challenge when it comes to creating separation against pros.
The Seahawks can certainly afford to roll the dice on a player with high upside, and Schneider might be tempted to get him if he slides that much. However, with other potential pass-rushing options like R Mason Thomas, Zion Young, or T.J. Parker, there's no need to take a chance on a player who might not be physically capable of holding his ground in the NFL.