For the first time since 1989, the Cincinnati Bengals did not have a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
That occurred due to Cincinnati trading away the 10th overall pick, which would have been their highest selection since drafting Ja’Marr Chase in 2021, in exchange for New York Giants Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence.
While the move was uncharacteristic for a Bengals franchise, which is typically averse to aggressive moves such as that one, it raised expectations for the 2026 season. Additionally, it also added an emphasis to the rest of Cincinnati’s draft class.
Fortunately, it appears that early returns from Cincinnati’s first selection have been positive.
Cincinnati Bengals Rookie Impressing During Training Camp
Aside from the Dexter Lawrence trade, the team was also aggressive in free agency. Among those aggressive moves was signing former Seattle Seahawks pass rusher Boye Mafe to a $60 million contract. Now, Mafe has shared his thoughts on Cincinnati Bengals rookie Cashius Howell, who was the team’s second-round pick in April.
Mafe told reporters, “It’s very hard to do what he’s doing so early. It’s been exciting to see. I’ve been saying he’s going to be a great player. I’ve always known that. He has it in him. It’s just a matter of getting comfortable. Once he does, he’s gonna be a dog in this league, and I can’t wait to see it.”
According to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., Howell has been among the most impressive performers during Cincinnati Bengals training camp. Dehner Jr. wrote: “The second-round pick out of Texas A&M won SEC Defensive Player of the Year, so making a good first impression in Cincinnati isn’t a surprise. What he did to Orlando Brown on Thursday was.
Howell enjoyed success going against second-teamers through the first week of practices. Thursday’s reps turned toward defensive packages that feature him with the starters and were a reward of opportunity given what he’s shown.
In his first rep against the starting left tackle, Howell got under his chin, drove the 6-8, 350-pound veteran backward and eventually planted him on his back at Burrow’s feet.”
Cashius Howell’s Training Camp
Regarding his training camp performance, Howell said, “I feel like at this point I’m starting to establish myself as a good player, but obviously there is still work to be done. I wouldn’t say I’m happy with where I’m at, but I’m proud of the work I’ve put in.
I know there’s definitely room for improvement, but I feel pretty good about how things have gone so far.”
Howell’s impressive performances have been noted by the Bengals coaching staff. After last year’s first-round rookie Shemar Stewart suffered an injury that will keep him out for several weeks, the team opted not to move Howell up to the first team. However, as Dehner Jr. noted, that has changed in recent practices.
With the team losing All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to the division rival Baltimore Ravens, getting immediate production out of Howell in 2026 would be a massive boost to a Bengals defense that already appears to be much improved.
Bengals Rookie Receives Blunt Take After Training Camp Showing