The Cincinnati Bengals had what looked to be a pretty fantastic 2026 NFL Draft class. Unfortunately, we're not seeing much of an impact from that group on the field.
This of course shouldn't be surprising. The Bengals like risky bets on project players (Shemar Stewart for instance) who take at least a year, maybe two, maybe three (AHEM Myles Murphy) to show even the faintest signs of being able to contribute.
If you ask me, that doesn't do you many favors in the modern NFL, but Bengals gonna Bengal.
Fully understanding that Dexter Lawrence's impact as the traded-for 10th overall pick goes without saying and offsets all these disappointments, let's get into the rest of the actual rookie crew.
Has Cashius Howell already smashed into the rookie wall?
Looked like a great first couple of games for Cashius Howell out of the gates. In the three contests since, the Texas A&M product's workload has steadily declined, as has his efficacy when he has been on the gridiron.
Althouhg he doesn't have a sack yet, Howell has shown flashes of disruption that give me hope for his future. Then again, his disappearing act amid Cincinnati's 1-2 pre-bye stretch gives me pause and makes me wonder whether those short arms will ultimately prevent him from being a double-digit sack guy.
And make no mistake, if Howell is starting next year on a d-line starring Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, and Boye Mafe, that is my expectation for him. Anything less than that is organizational malpractice for not drafting Jacob Rodriguez at linebacker as far as I'm concerned.
So far not so good for our guy Cashius, though there is hope in 2027 when his role increases as Murphy presumably walks in free agency.
Tacario Davis is talented but too technically raw to be trusted
I believed Tacario Davis was a reach in Round 3 after a questionable call on the short-armed Howell in the previous round. However, I got the appeal. Davis is a 6'4" freak athlete who breaks the mold of the smaller corners Cincinnati typically chases.
You can see the potential with Davis, yet he's also committed three penalties, and all of them have been costly if memory serves. I know one of them wiped out what would've been his first interception.
I do love that Davis has a little DAWG in him and isn't afraid to get physical. The man can hit, and his combination of size and speed means he's not someone you want to see flying at you in the open field.
Until further notice, though, past seventh-round pick D.J. Ivey will still start on the boundary opposite DJ Turner. Don't expect that to change out of the bye. Dax could move back to the perimeter, too, once Jalen Davis is off injured reserve. In any case, not looking good for Tacario's playing prospects this year.
A Day 3 draft haul full of nothing burgers
Not that anyone expected much from this bunch. That said, I've pounded the table for Landon Robinson all season to get into the defensive tackle rotation over Kris Jenkins Jr. Still waiting for my dreams to come true.
FYI: my dreams (football-related that I have zero control over and therefore they mean nothing other than me saying, "HEY! LOOK AT ME HERE!" only to go largely UNACKNOWLEDGED) tend to work out pretty well.
I had a dream once https://t.co/qkvhvXoiow pic.twitter.com/G6shWVje3h
— Matt Fitzgerald (@MattFitz_gerald) September 28, 2026
Would love to see Jack Endries get more run at tight end. At least he's been active for some games, unlike Robinson's goose egg to date. As long as Drew Sample's fanny is on the active roster, though, it'll be another agonizing wait to see Endries, too.
Not looking good for our two seventh-rounders to impact winning anytime soon. Same goes for the fourth-rounders.
Connor Lew is the potential heir apparent at center to Ted Karras. Understandable to see him ride the pine as an NFL frosh. Then, wideout Colbie Young was eclipsed by fellow newcomer/non-draftee Dohnte Meyers on the depth chart even before he went down with a knee injury.
Who's left? Ah yes. Brian Parker II, the sixth-round utility offensive lineman from Duke who's still on injured reserve. I like Parker. Just not much to write home about so far.
So that's that. Tough scene for the rooks in Cincy. Better luck next year...?
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