The Cincinnati Bengals selected edge rusher Cashius Howell as the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This marks the third consecutive year the team has drafted an Aggie defensive lineman.

The move was heavily influenced by a recommendation from the team's Director of Football Strength & Conditioning, Tommy Moffitt.

Moffitt is famously known for training NFL athletes like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Peyton Manning. During an appearance on the podcast 'The Growler', Bengals' assistant GM Mike Potts discussed Howell's potential and praises Moffitt.

“I don’t think Cashius Howell was quite the player he is now when he just got there out of Bowling Green,” Potts added. “Their strength staff as well, Tommy Moffitt was their guy at LSU forever, so he has great comparisons.”

“Another nugget from him that I don’t think he’d be upset with sharing on Cashius’ drive. He compared him to some of those great players in terms of work ethic and drive. So, just putting all of the process together through all of our guys, it was a guy that we really developed an affinity for throughout the process.” Potts told The Athletic’s Paul Deher Jr.

During his five-year collegiate career, Howell started out playing for Bowling Green for three seasons. Following that, he moved to Texas A&M to finish his final two years of college.

According to Sports Reference, Howell recorded 31 combined tackles and 14 sacks in 13 appearances. He received SEC Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American honors in 2025.

Bengals Take Their Chance On Cashius Howell

Even though the Bengals didn't have a first-round pick, they broke their own tradition when they drafted Cashius Howell in the second round.

However, Bleacher Report gave the team an ‘A’ for the pick, noting that his effort outweighs any physical flaws. Analyst Brent Sobleski wrote:

"In one way, Howell is the type of pass-rusher every team wants, because he's relentless as he tracks down opposing quarterbacks. His non-stop motor makes him the type of player who consistently creates plays, even when he struggles to get quick wins. The major hang-up in his evaluation concerns Howell's arm length." 

The front office is thrilled with the move, especially as some analysts are comparing his high-energy playing style to NFL star Maxx Crosby.

The Bengals had traded their 10th overall pick in exchange for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants ahead of the draft.

They believe Howell could pair up with his former Aggies' teammate, Shemar Stewart, and lead the edge rushing division this upcoming season.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Rishab Nandi