The Cincinnati Bengals entered the NFL Draft without a first-round selection after dealing it away in the acquisition of standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. Even so, the franchise remained committed to strengthening its defensive front.
Through a mix of prior trades, free-agent signings, and now additional draft capital, the team continued layering talent along the line to create consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
In the second round at pick No. 41, Cincinnati selected edge defender Cashius Howell out of Texas A&M. The move was designed to inject fresh depth into the pass-rush rotation and ensure that offensive lines rarely find a moment of rest when facing the Bengals’ front. Howell’s arrival signals an emphasis on maintaining a disruptive presence even after other roster adjustments.
During his standout 2025 campaign with the Aggies, Howell earned an impressive 81.2 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus. That mark placed him 72nd among 852 qualified edge defenders league-wide. His work as a pass rusher stood out even more, posting a 90.3 grade that ranked 26th at the position, while his run-defense grade of 73.6 landed him 247th.
Howell’s production as a pass rusher proved particularly eye-catching. He generated 41 total pressures over the season, consisting of 12 sacks, 27 quarterback hurries, and two hits. Against the run, he contributed 15 solo tackles and forced a fumble, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that the Bengals clearly valued when making the selection.
Following the draft, the 23-year-old shared candid reflections on the process. Kansas City, his longtime favorite team and the city where he attended high school, had chosen another edge player just one spot ahead of him at No. 40.
“Any team that decided to pass on me, I’ll put it on film,” Howell said. “Film don’t lie… Very happy to be a Bengal and wouldn’t want to be a Chief.”
Those comments carry extra weight given the upcoming schedule. The Bengals are slated to host the Chiefs as one of their home opponents during the 2026 NFL regular season. Observers will be watching closely to see whether Howell channels that motivation into a standout performance when the two teams meet on the field.
The pick also drew thoughtful evaluation from draft analysts. Seth Walder of ESPN examined how Howell could help offset significant departures from the defensive unit.
“When Trey Hendrickson walked out the door in free agency, he took a lot of sacks with him,” Walder wrote. “Howell should be able to bring some of those back, as his strong get-off helped him land 11.5 sacks in 2025.“
“Maybe he won’t do much against the run, but neither did Hendrickson. Howell can be a nice complement to Boye Mafe, who was signed to a three-year deal this offseason from the Seahawks.”
Overall, the selection of Cashius Howell fits neatly into the Bengals’ broader strategy of rebuilding their edge presence. By adding him to a group already reinforced through other avenues, Cincinnati appears intent on fielding a more versatile and relentless defensive line in the coming season.
Fans and analysts alike will now turn their attention to training camp to see how quickly the young pass rusher integrates into the scheme and begins making an impact.
