3 Bengals land in Matt Miller’s Top 100 NFL Draft picks
The Bengals had one of their best draft hauls in recent memory.
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 The Cincinnati Bengals were not only active in the NFL Draft last week but also aggressive. A Day 3 trade with the New York Jets netted them an extra fourth-round pick and allowed them an opportunity to take a swing on Colbie Young, a receiver out of Georgia.
That pick carries some risk, but a few of their other selections caught the eye of ESPN draft expert Matt Miller, who released his top-100 favorite draft selections , and the Bengals had three players land on the list. First up was second-round defensive end Cashius Howell, who checked in at No. 54 on the list.
Howell will combine with free agent signing Boye Mafe to help replace the departed Trey Hendrickson. Edge rusher was among the Bengals’ top needs after last years’ first-rounder, Shemar Stewart, failed to impress. The Bengals have thrown picks and money at the position (they also drafted Myles Murphy in Round 1 in 2024) but haven’t quite figured it out.
Howell gives Cincinnati a stand-up rusher on the outside of the defensive line and led the SEC with 11. 5 sacks last season. Drafting him to help fill Hendrickson’s void was the right call, especially at a 16-pick value.