Bengals Rookie Receives Blunt Take After Training Camp Showing

Cincinnati’s trade history set a new tone for 2026: for the first time since 1989, the Bengals entered the draft without a first-round pick after moving the 10th overall selection to the New York Giants for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. The offseason also featured major free-agent activity, including a reported $60 million deal for former Seattle Seahawks pass rusher Boye Mafe. Within that context, Cincinnati rookie Cashius Howell, taken in the second round in April out of Texas A&M, has drawn early praise. Boye Mafe said Howell has the potential to become “a dog” once he’s comfortable. The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. cited Howell’s strong start, including a rep where Howell drove Orlando Brown back to the ground at Burrow’s feet. Howell said he’s establishing himself but still has room to improve, while the Bengals see more opportunity after Trey Hendrickson moved to Baltimore.