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(Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

The Cincinnati Bengals went without a first-round pick after trading for Dexter Lawrence II, but they still made sure to keep building up front.

Even after adding to the defensive line in free agency and via trade, they went back to that unit early on Day 2. With the No. 41 overall pick, Cincinnati selected former Texas A&M standout Cashius Howell, adding another pass rusher to a group that already looks deep and disruptive.

Moreover, Howell spoke to the media in Cincinnati on April 25 and shared the mindset that he intends to bring to the Bengals’ defense ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

“I know there’s some speculation about arm length and things of that nature, but I feel like if you turn on the tape, you see the type of player I am,” Howell said (h/t Jaron May of WLWT)

“You see the relentless effort, the motor, and the intentionality I put into this game. I feel like anybody with eyes will be able to see that I’m a great player who can add a lot of value to this defense.

“I take pride in having a relentless, aggressive attitude. You can go back to a guy named Aaron Donald. I know you guys know him, and I remember a clip of him telling himself, ‘controlled aggression, controlled aggression.'”

Cashius Howell Doesn’t Intend to Hurt His Team 

Despite playing aggressively on the field like the former Los Angeles Rams star, Howell noted that he makes sure it doesn’t come at a cost that hurts his team.

“I like to be as aggressive, as relentless and as intense as I possibly can, but in a controlled manner, all while making sure I’m honing in on my 1/11th on the defense, my specific technique and my keys, while going as fast and as aggressively as humanly possible,” Howell added.

Howell put together a strong 2025 season for the Aggies, earning an 81.2 overall defensive grade from PFF, ranking 72nd among 852 qualifying edge defenders. His pass-rush grade stood out at 90.3, good for 26th at the position, while his run-defense grade was 73.6, placing 247th.

As a pass rusher, he produced 41 total pressures, including 12 sacks, 27 hurries, and two quarterback hits. He added 15 solo tackles against the run and forced one fumble during the season.

Bengals DC Explains Cashius Howell Draft Selection

Moreover, Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden explained the reason behind the decision to select Howell, who brings certain traits that made him an easy choice for the team.

“He was far and away the highest guy that we had and couldn’t believe he kept falling to us, to be honest with you,” Golden said (h/t Jaron May of WLWT). “We couldn’t have been more thrilled when he was there for us. [Howell] is a dynamic pass rusher with great production, not average production, great production.

“He is a motor guy who can play a 4-2 edge [and] he can play outside linebacker if you go to five-down or bigger personnel; he has shown proficiency with the ability to drop into coverage and can help us on special teams. He is a multifaceted athlete and a really, really twitchy player.”