Howell has "been a monster in camp," particularly surprising the Bengals' coaching staff with his strength, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports.
Howell, the Bengals' second-round draft pick out of Texas A&M, is expected to be part of a defensive end rotation for the Bengals, lining up behind Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy and likely Shemar Stewart, though Stewart's knee injury could open the door for Howell to get more early reps.
... See More... See Less
Bengals' Cashius Howell: Heading to Cincinnati
Rotowire
The Bengals selected Howell in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 41st overall.
Howell spent the last two seasons of his five-year college career with Texas A&M. He broke out in his senior year in 2025, when he was a Unanimous All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after posting 31 tackles, including an SEC-leading 11.0 sacks, one forced fumble and six pass defenses across 13 games. Howell served as a boundary edge rusher with the Aggies, and while his shorter reach could be a concern at the NFL level, he has the quick initial burst to give opposing tackles plenty of trouble and the versatility to drop into coverage to mask blitz pressure. Howell will join a new-look Bengals defensive front that includes Super Bowl LX champion Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, Jonathan Allen and the recently acquired Dexter Lawrence.
