Bengals draft pick Cashius Howell compared to Maxx Crosby

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) rushes the line during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

After the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals talked about how much they liked second-round defensive end Cashius Howell. They liked him so much, they said that had the 10th overall pick not been traded for Dexter Lawrence, Cincinnati would’ve considered taking Howell there.

Luckily for them, Howell was on the board at 41, and they likely couldn’t turn the pick in fast enough. Howell is not the prototypical build of a defensive lineman we’ve seen the Bengals draft in the past, but he does bring a ton of energy to a defense that definitely needs it.

Howell’s game drew a comparison to Maxx Crosby, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who says an anonymous AFC scout was the one to compare the two.

“But their second-round pick, edge rusher Cashius Howell, possesses one of Maxx Crosby’s best attributes: his motor. Crosby is famous for going full bore while playing every snap. Howell is similar in that regard. “He doesn’t have the elite bend that some of the other rushers have, but he is absolutely relentless and will play a long time in the NFL as a result,” an AFC scout said.

Howell racked up 11.5 sacks last season while winning the SEC Player of the Year award. He may have shorter arms than Ruben Bain, but Howell’s fire and passion for the game are something not all players have, and that could lead to a long career in the NFL.