Reactions were all over the place after the Cincinnati Bengals drafted Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell in the second round of the NFL draft.
While most agreed that Howell was an interesting pass-rusher to add to the depth chart, the presence of free-agent arrival Boye Mafe and former first-round names Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy felt a little redundant.
With other big names on the draft board still available and needs at spots like linebacker and cornerback, plenty of mixed reactions made the rounds.
Mixed or not, even the most irritated by the need and value combo couldn’t deny what Howell might be able to bring to the rebuilding defense. Also, what it might mean in terms of overall formation change, possibly to a base 3-4.
So, here are some of the most notable reactions to the pick.
I wanted Jacob Rodriguez. But I have heard that pass rush is king.
Hard to get past how different Howell is as a style of player compared what the #Bengals have gone for. His versatility and speed getting after the passer is a tool they just didn't have. This from The Beast: "Overall, Howell needs to expand the consistency of his impact beyond…
The Bengals’ defense is evolving.Cassius Howell is the lean, fast, bend, burst, first step defensive end/OLB tweener who adds a different type of gear to the Bengals’ defensive line.He’s not the 260 pound power oriented guy they typically lean for. He’s all gas. He’s speed.…
Cashius Howell just wins man. He can bend, he's twitchy, and has some moves. Think Harold Landry.
Cashius Howell was drafted in round 2 with pick 41 in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 8.13 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 424 out of 2257 DE from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/3jkQ7BStS0 pic.twitter.com/K2ySDYcavM
The Bengals are trying to build the best DL in the league. However, if it’s anything, it’s deep. Are we finally going to see a DL rotation in Cincinnati?👀👀👀
CASSIUS HOWELL IS A DEMON WE ARE GONNA HIT QUARTERBACKS
The Bengals were never using a high pick on a LB, for the record.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Best reactions after Bengals draft Cashius Howell in the second round