How Cashius Howell is becoming Bengals training camp's biggest breakout stud

Every year, the draft comes with question marks.  “Will this person deliver in the NFL?” “Did we waste a pick?” “Are we sure he is the guy?” The Cincinnati Bengals may already have their answer in second-round rookie Cashius Howell.

Now that training camp has arrived the real action is heating up. The Bengals are witnessing in real time whether their draft class can make the grade. So far, so mostly good across the board, and Howell has quickly become a rare top draft pick in Cincinnati who seems likely to pan out. 

Coming out of Texas A&M, Howell had been up against some tough competition in the SEC. Playing against teams like LSU, Mizzou, Texas, and then Miami in the College Football Playoff. In 2025, you could say he had a breakout season; he totaled 31 tackles, 14 of which were for loss, with 11.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble. He has speed for an edge rusher with a 4.59 forty time, but now the power is starting to show through.

Howell explodes in dominant pass rushing reps at Bengals training camp

Shemar Stewart's hyperextended knee has given Howell more time on the field and more opportunities to prove himself on the NFL stage.  And prove himself he has.

In this clip, we see Howell coming in with good technique and a ton of power against Andrew Coker.

And here against Amarius Mims, who is officially listed at 6'8", 350 pounds for context.

In this video, it does seem like Orlando Brown Jr. might get tripped up by Samaje Perine’s foot, but let’s face it, he was in the process of getting shoved back either way.

Howell has already shown that his game fits in the NFL. He has an explosive first step and what seems to be a relentless motor that doesn’t seem to have any brakes. 

Regarding the dynamic rookie, Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden was quoted as saying, “The way he plays jumps off the tape.  He plays with his hair on fire, if you will.”

Howell is definitely living up to that now in training camp. The traits he has are translating faster than some expected; however, I wouldn’t expect a starting role yet. The fact is, it is still training camp, and pads don’t always predict regular-season production.  Consistency will matter more than just one standout practice.

The Bengals drafted Cashius Howell because they believed his pass-rush ability would translate to the NFL.  Early signs suggest that the projection may have been accurate. Whether he becomes an immediate contributor or develops into a larger role over time, Howell has already accomplished one important thing: he’s forcing people to notice him.  In a training camp filled with established stars, that’s not easy to do.

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