The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t on the lookout for franchise-changing, instant contributions from most of their 2026 rookie draft class.
That solely utilized to the tenth total choose, which was Dexter Lawrence through commerce. Name it mission achieved, simply in a means no person anticipated.
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As for the remainder of the early returns on the Bengals’ draft class this yr, it is a top-heavy factor.
That will clarify why, as a complete, the Cashius Howell-led draft class solely ranks twentieth amongst each rookie class this yr within the thoughts of Sports activities Illustrated’s Justin Melo.
“Cashius Howell has been among the many top-performing rookie cross rushers,” Melo wrote. “No different members of this seven-prospect class are actually enjoying significant snaps but, but it surely stays early, and Howell appears to be like like an actual discover. Hopefully Connor Lew and Brian Parker II grow to be future options on the offensive line. Grade: C+”
Howell is attention-grabbing as a result of he is the classical “manufacturing” prospect vs. Shemar Stewart, his teammate the Bengals took within the first spherical final yr, who’s extra of a “traits and upside solely” prospect. Howell already outperforming Stewart is tremendous attention-grabbing, to say the least.
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In any other case, fourth-round wideout Colbie Younger had an enormous deliberate position within the offense already earlier than getting harm. Linemen Connor Lew and Brian Parker certainly have long-term starter upside. Third-round nook Tacario Davis, if nothing else, appears to be like like a tight-end-stopper. And seventh-rounders Jack Endries and Landon Robinson had been ok to make the 53.
The moment manufacturing after Howell hasn’t been there, however the long-term upside to the Bengals’ draft class is actually huge and can be one thing to observe in future years.
This text initially appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ draft class may find yourself elite within the long-term
