Cincinnati Bengals Rookies Express First Emotions at Rookie Minicamp

The 2026 NFL offseason is continuing to progress, and with the draft over, it is time for the annual rookie minicamps. The Cincinnati Bengals, who traded away their first-round pick for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, are fortunate enough to have several rookies who are excited to prove themselves on the biggest stage. 

Going into this offseason, it was evident that the Bengals needed help on defense and the offensive line. General manager Duke Tobin has done an excellent job filling out the team with big-name free agent signings like Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen, and Kyle Dugger, along with re-signing Dalton Risner and extending Orlando Brown Jr. 

It’s reasonable to say that both aspects of the team were far from serviceable in 2025, so the Bengals need all the help they can get. That’s where the draft comes in, and the front office was able to make solid selections to improve the depth in those areas. These picks include defensive end Cashius Howell, cornerback Tacario Davis, center Connor Lew, offensive tackle Brian Parker II, and defensive tackle Landon Robinson. They made two more selections to improve the depth on offense as well, drafting wide receiver Colbie Young and tight end Jack Endries. 

At the rookie minicamp, there were several promising quotes from the rookies about their excitement to be with the team. Starting with the second-round pick out of Texas A&M, Howell was a teammate of 2025 Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart. Now the two edge rushers will get to attack the quarterback together once again.

“We in the NFL, man. It’s a blessing,” said Howell. “I just want to come in and be as intentional as I can with everything that I possibly can do. Just put myself in the best position to go out there and have a positive impact on this team.”

Cincinnati’s third-round pick was mainly prioritized for depth/future needs rather than as an immediate starter. Davis was one of the biggest cornerback prospects in the draft at 6-foot-4, and with the uncertainty surrounding contract extensions for starters Dax Hill and DJ Turner, fans could see Davis making a significant impact as early as 2027. 

“It’s a blessing, dreamed about it my whole life,” said Davis. “Ain’t nobody [gonna] hold your hand, you on your own. So it’s either you [gonna] swim or you [gonna] drown.”

Finally, the fourth-round pick will serve similarly to Davis: primarily a backup in 2026, but a potential starter in 2027. Lew is still recovering from a torn ACL in October, but has already begun working with Cincinnati’s training staff after the draft. 

“This is what you dream of coming into the NFL, and this is Day 1 of that whole process,” said Lew. “Just super grateful for the opportunity, and just can’t take it for granted and attack every day the same and be consistent.”

Up next for the Bengals is the offseason workouts that begin on June 1st. There are countless new additions to this revamped Cincinnati team, so it will be interesting to see how they continue to mesh before the season begins.