The Cincinnati Bengals have added some serious firepower to their defense, and we're here to break down what makes their second-round pick, Cashius Howell, a name to remember. As the NFL Draft dust settles, let's dive into four key facts about this edge defender from Texas A&M—perfect for getting you hyped for the upcoming season.
1. A Sack Machine in the SEC
Howell enters the NFL fresh off a dominant 2025 campaign, where he led the Southeastern Conference with 11 sacks for the playoff-bound Aggies. Starting all 13 games, he also tallied 14.5 tackles for loss and six passes defended, earning unanimous All-American honors, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and First-Team All-SEC nods. It's the kind of production that turns heads and transforms defenses.
2. Consistency Across Conferences
Before his breakout at Texas A&M, Howell was wreaking havoc in the MAC. In 2023, his 9.5 sacks at Bowling Green led the conference, earning him Third-Team All-MAC recognition. That back-to-back success across different levels of competition shows he's not a one-hit wonder—he's a proven disruptor.
3. A Comp to a Proven NFL Star
According to draft analyst Dane Brugler's "The Beast" guide, Howell's floor is that of a pass-rush specialist, with a ceiling similar to Haason Reddick. Reddick, who posted four straight double-digit sack seasons (including 16 in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles), is known for his versatility and relentless motor. Brugler notes, "Howell needs to expand his impact beyond winning as a high-side rusher, but his athletic twitch, play speed, and violent demeanor make him a bet you want to take."
4. Elite Speed and Explosiveness
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Howell blazed a 4.59 40-yard dash—only three defensive ends ran faster, and all three were first-round picks (Arvell Reese at 4.46, David Bailey at 4.50, and Malachi Lawrence at 4.52). Even more impressive, his 1.58 10-yard split tied for the best at the position with Reese. That burst off the line is exactly what you want in a pass rusher, ranking in the top 9% among edge defenders.
Whether you're stocking up on Bengals gear or just getting to know the new faces, Howell's blend of production, speed, and potential makes him a rookie to watch closely this fall.