The Cincinnati Bengals didn't draft just another edge rusher in the second round. They might have found their own version of one of the NFL's most relentless pass rushers.

Cashius Howell, who signed a $12 million rookie deal, is already drawing Maxx Crosby comparisons, and it’s not just draft hype. 

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler made the comparison, citing an anonymous AFC scout to make his case. 

"But their second-round pick, edge rusher Cashius Howell, possesses one of Maxx Crosby's best attributes, his motor," Fowler wrote. Crosby has built his entire reputation on playing every snap at full speed, and the scout sees that same quality in Howell. 

"He doesn't have the elite bend that some of the other rushers have, but he is absolutely relentless and will play a long time in the NFL as a result," the AFC scout told Fowler.

Howell appeared in 56 games over five seasons of college football, recording 27 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss. Three of those seasons were at Bowling Green and two at Texas A&M.

In his final season, he had 11.5 sacks and won SEC Defensive Player of the Year, the kind of production you get from someone who doesn’t take possessions off. 

After losing Trey Hendrickson to free agency, the Bengals needed a player like Howell. Shemar Stewart’s rookie season, one sack in eight games after a contract holdout, also left the edge rusher room thin. 

The national media pushed back on the short arm measurements narrative and the Crosby comparison only added to the buzz around the pick. 

Bengals Rookie Cashius Howell is Ready to Make his Mark

Howell's motor was more than something the Bengals were buying into, his former coach had the specifics to back it up.

Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson spoke with Texas A&M defensive line coach Tony Jerod-Eddie about how Howell’s game will translate to the next level. 

"His game and his style of play translates great to the NFL level," Jerod-Eddie told Hobson. "We ran a pro-style defense, so he'll be ready to do whatever is asked. He's serious about his craft. He sits in on meetings, he takes tremendous notes." 

When asked what sets Howell apart from other prospects, Jerod Eddie pointed to something that doesn’t appear in a stat sheet.

"There's a switch he flips and he becomes highly competitive. Ultra-competitive. He'll tell you about it a little, too, which I love," he told Hobson.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden plans to use hybrid roles in multiple formations, providing immediate opportunities to make an impact.

With Shemar Stewart, Myles Murphy, and free-agent addition Boye Mafe forming the EDGE, the Bengals need pass-rushing production. Given his trajectory, Howell looks like he will keep climbing. 

Read more at the Cincinnati Bengals Community!

Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit