Full Breakdown
Bengals Draft Edge Rusher Cashius Howell with 41st Overall Pick
4/25/2026, 10:00:38 AM
Draft Selection
On April 24, 2026, the Cincinnati Bengals chose Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell with the 41st overall pick in the second round. The selection followed the trade of the 10th-overall first-round slot to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, making Howell the team’s first pick of the draft.
Defensive Overhaul
The move adds safety Bryan Cook, edge rusher Boye Mafe, defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Dexter Lawrence, and safety Kyle Dugger. After losing two-time All-Pro edge Trey Hendrickson in free agency, the Bengals, ranked 25th in sacks (35) in 2025, sought to boost perimeter pressure.
Howell’s Production
In his final college season Howell posted 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 31 tackles, six pass deflections and one forced fumble, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American honors. Over five collegiate seasons he totaled 26.5 sacks. He measures 6-2, 253 lb, runs a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and a 1.58-second 10-yard split; his arm length measured 30.25 in.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Al Golden said, “Everything… Just so excited… It’s about acquiring guys that can do the things you are asking them to do at a high level.” Director of player personnel Duke Tobin added, “Pass rush is king, and you always need to be layering in pass rusher.”
Criticism, Opposition, and Reporting Gaps
Analysts noted Howell’s short arms (30.25 in) and lighter frame (253 lb) could limit three-down play and run defense. Some observers said the pick left a more urgent linebacker need unaddressed, noting the selection “didn’t get an ‘A’ because the team was more in need of a linebacker.” Sources differ on his cumulative college sacks—15.5 at Texas A&M versus 26.5 total—and on pressures, ranging from 41 in his final season to 75 over two years.
Impact and Outlook
Howell’s speed and sack ability should raise the Bengals’ sack total beyond the 35 recorded in 2025, complementing Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart. In the coming weeks coaches will decide his role—designated edge rusher or three-down starter—while also weighing Myles Murphy’s $14 million fifth-year option before the league deadline.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Pass rush is king, and you always need to be layering in pass rusher,” — Duke Tobin, Director of Player Personnel
- “Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals.” — Lance Zeirlein, NFL.com Analyst
- “He is a short-armed speed rusher who has one of the most explosive first steps in the entire class.” — Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Analyst
