The defensive coordinator is already labeling the rookie speed rusher a home run after he stunned veterans in camp, signaling a potential shift in Cincinnati’s defensive hierarchy.
Usually, it takes a little while for the opinions of high draft picks to take shape. Getting to know the routine and the everyday battle of playing in the NFL is very difficult, and not many can handle it. However, Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden has apparently already seen enough to deem defensive end Cashius Howell a “hit” after a stellar offseason with the Bengals, as reported by Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.
Golden told reporters that hitting on Howell was huge because he’s come through for the Bengals with his intellect, ability to process, and his ability to manage the learning curve as a rookie.
The Bengals took Howell with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which came in the second round. It was the second consecutive season Cincinnati has spent a premium pick on a Texas A&M pass rusher after selecting Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howell, however, has more of an undersized, speed-rusher profile, which made many wonder what his role would be.
However, he made his presence known very quickly in training camp, showing off his strength with a bull rush on Orlando Brown Jr., which opened the eyes of many in attendance and those who saw the clip online.
Howell is now in a spot where he will battle for snaps with fellow defensive ends Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy. Murphy is in a contract year and should be extremely motivated to have another great season after posting 5.5 sacks in 2025. If Howell had been a part of the Bengals in previous seasons, he would have had little to no trouble cracking the starting lineup, but after the many additions the Bengals made, he has his work ahead of him.
Whether or not Howell can take advantage of his opportunities will be a big storyline to follow, as he can be a replacement for Myles Murphy in future seasons and save the Bengals some money on an extension. Howell's combination of size and speed makes him one of the most intriguing pass rushers on the Bengals roster, as his profile is much closer to Boye Mafe than it is to anyone else on Cincinnati’s defensive line.
Like Mafe, he should see plenty of one-on-ones as opposing offenses double-team Dexter Lawrence in an attempt to limit the game-wrecker from completely taking over the game. The Bengals' defensive line depth is one of their strengths.
