Cincinnati Bengals: Entire draft class present for rookie minicamp
CINCINNATI — Cashius Howell and Tacario Davis were the lone two Cincinnati Bengals draft picks still unsigned by the start of rookie minicamp on Friday, May 8, but unlike last year when two players sat out for contract reasons, everyone physically capable participated. Howell, an edge rusher selected in the second round out of Texas A&M, and Davis, a third-round cornerback out of the University of Washington, both signed waivers to participate despite not yet being under contract. Last year, both the team’s top two draft picks, Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight, did not participate in the rookie minicamp.
Knight signed the waiver the following week and began practicing but Stewart did not join on-field activities until he finally signed the contract at the end of July during training camp. Cincinnati Bengals: Linebackers out to prove they'll be better in 2026 Both Howell and Davis said it was important for them to get reps from Day 1. “I love football,” Howell said.
“End of the day, regardless of negotiations still being attacked, like I said, I love football, so I wanted to do everything that I could in my power to put myself in the best position to go out there, get anything that I can, you know, with the football, with the talking, communication, just every aspect, so regardless of the contract not being negotiated fully, doesn’t really matter. ” The workout was less than an hour of drills but serves as a phasing in process for the rookies to begin to get acclimated to their new environment. Fourth-round picks Connor Lew and Colbie Young, sixth-rounder Brian Parker II and seventh-round selections Jack Endries and Landon Robinson all signed and were present Friday, though Lew is still rehabbing back from an October ACL tear.
Ten signed college free agents also participated. Davis said he just wanted to get a feel for things and “steal reps. ” The rookies and other first-year players will continue working together next week before integrating with the veterans the following week.
“It’s really just getting to feel how they do things, so when we get with the whole team, I’m not new, it’s second nature, so, it’s the little detail stuff. ” Players said they took some time to appreciate putting on the Bengals gear for their first practice. Howell called it a “blessing” and Davis said it was a special realization of making it to the NFL.
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