Bengals rookie Cashius Howell shows promise with strong performance

Cashius Howell, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, demonstrated his skills during the season-opening victory against Tampa Bay and a strong game against Houston on September 21. Howell recorded six pressures against the Texans, showcasing his explosiveness and versatility, even as he has yet to register a sack. The Bengals' coaching staff continued to express confidence in Howell, noting his ability to generate quick pressure and a diverse array of pass rush moves. His performance has led to discussions of him potentially contending for Defensive Rookie of the Year if he maintains his level of play.

• 10:58 PMYahoo Sports — Bengals Film Room: Cashius Howell isn’t playing like a rookie