With the deadline now passed for underclassmen to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, mock draft boards across the country have been updated. And while the process is ultimately an exercise in strategic projection, it does offer early insight into which prospects evaluators believe carry legitimate first‑round grades.
One of the most respected draft analysts in the industry, Dane Brugler of The Athletic, released his updated 2026 mock draft this week, and two Texas A&M standouts landed in his projected first round. Anyone who watched the Aggies in 2025 won’t be surprised by the names: edge rusher Cashius Howell and wide receiver KC Concepcion. When and where they come off the board, however, remains one of the more intriguing questions heading into draft season.
In a bit of a surprise, Brugler has Concepcion going ahead of Howell—slotting the dynamic wideout to the Cleveland Browns at No. 24, with Howell heading to the Buffalo Bills two picks later at No. 26. The order is notable given how desperate NFL teams typically are for pass rushers. In a league built to favor offenses, premier edge defenders rarely fall outside the top 15, especially those with Howell’s production.
There are some size‑related questions with Howell, who is built more like an off‑ball linebacker than a traditional edge. But the tape and numbers speak loudly. He became a unanimous All‑American in 2025, finishing with 31 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks while anchoring one of the SEC’s most disruptive fronts.
Concepcion, meanwhile, is a true all‑around offensive weapon. He can line up at any receiver spot, threaten defenses vertically, win after the catch, and even take snaps at running back when needed. Add in his elite return ability, and it’s no surprise he became a consensus All‑American and the 2025 Paul Hornung Award winner. His explosiveness jumps off the film, and his versatility fits perfectly in today’s NFL.
Regardless of where they ultimately land, both Howell and Concepcion project as immediate contributors at the next level. Any franchise calling their names on draft night will be adding proven, high‑end talent capable of elevating a roster from day one.
A weak QB class took another hit with Dante Moore opting to stay at Oregon, and there will be a trickle-down effect in the first round.@dpbrugler‘s 2026 NFL Mock Draft ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/sBtcdDv5sq
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 15, 2026
The NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: KC Concepcion and Cashius Howell land in Round 1 of latest mock draft
