Rookie Contenders: Denzel Boston and Cashius Howell Eye Starting Roles in 2026

The Cleveland Browns finished last season with rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. as their leading receiver (72 catches, 731 yards) and only Jerry Jeudy exceeding 21 receptions, highlighting a need for more pass-catching talent. To address this, the Browns drafted first-round wideout KC Concepcion and second-round Denzel Boston, both expected to compete for the WR2 slot opposite Jeudy. The Cincinnati Bengals lost edge-rushers Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai. They traded the 10th overall pick for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and used their top two selections on defense, selecting Cashius Howell in the second round to bolster the pass-rush.

Newsweek

Boston, a 6-foot-4, 209-pound receiver from Washington, is noted for his bruising style in contested-catch situations. He recorded back-to-back seasons with at least 60 receptions and 800 yards in his final two collegiate years, demonstrating the ability to create plays at the boundary. While Concepcion is slated to receive the first opportunity at WR2, analysts argue Boston’s physicality and production could allow him to outplay the first-round pick and secure the role.

Newsweek

Howell, a 23-year-old defensive end from Texas A&M, posted 41 pressures, 27 hurries, 14 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in his final college season, finishing with 35.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks overall. His speed off the edge, inside spin move, and burst enable consistent pressure, positioning him to challenge edge-rushers Boye Mafe and Shemar Stewart for playing time. However, his smaller frame may limit effectiveness against the run, leading coaches to envision him primarily in sub-packages on passing downs.

Newsweek

Skeptics note Boston may lack the route-running precision to surpass Concepcion, and his contested-catch style may not fully translate to the NFL. Howell’s limited length and strength raise doubts about his viability as a starter, with projections favoring situational use. Neither team has released statements confirming starter projections, leaving the assessments based on scouting reports and draft-class analyses.

Newsweek

• “The Browns desperately need pass-catching help.” — Newsweek, staff

Newsweek

• “Howell is smaller than the typical Bengals’ edge rusher, but the unit needs to get more explosive, and that is what he brings to the table.” — Warren Sharp, analyst

Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Draft Class: Rookie Impact

• “Since Howell lacks the length and strength to consistently hold up against the run, expect Cincinnati to use him primarily in subpackages on passing downs.” — Warren Sharp, analyst

Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Draft Class: Rookie Impact

Training camp opens in three weeks, after which preseason games and the regular-season kickoff the week of September 7 will determine whether Boston and Howell earn starting positions for 2026.

Newsweek