Bengals Rookies Are TURNING HEADS At Training Camp, Chase Brown Contract, Reds SWEEP Athletics

Cashius Howell has quickly become one of the biggest stories of Cincinnati Bengals training camp, and the rookie edge rusher is giving the coaching staff every reason to believe they found an impact defender in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While expectations were already high after an outstanding career at Texas A&M, Howell has exceeded them during the first stretch of camp with a combination of relentless effort, explosive athleticism and a polished pass-rushing arsenal. Reports from practice have consistently highlighted his ability to generate pressure, even when matched against veteran offensive linemen.

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One of Howell's most impressive moments came during one-on-one drills, where he reportedly beat veteran left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. with a powerful rush that immediately caught the attention of coaches, teammates and observers. Veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Allen has also praised Howell's work ethic and ability to capitalize on additional opportunities while fellow rookie Shemar Stewart recovers from injury. Those extra first-team reps have accelerated Howell's development and allowed him to showcase why Cincinnati believes he can become a cornerstone of its rebuilt defensive front.

Beyond his pass-rushing ability, the Bengals have expanded Howell's responsibilities by asking him to drop into coverage as part of defensive coordinator Al Golden's multiple-front scheme. Howell has embraced the challenge, acknowledging that pass rushing remains his strength while emphasizing his commitment to becoming a more complete defender. His willingness to learn and adapt has impressed the coaching staff as much as his production on the field.

With Cincinnati looking to reshape its defense after significant offseason changes, Howell's emergence could not come at a better time. If his training camp performance carries into the preseason and regular season, the Bengals may have found an immediate contributor capable of bringing consistent pressure off the edge. Early returns suggest Howell is not just living up to expectations—he is rapidly becoming one of the breakout rookies of the 2026 NFL preseason.

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