Rookie Cashius Howell Makes Instant Impact for Cincinnati Bengals

A Strong Debut

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Cashius Howell made a big impact in his NFL debut. During the Bengals' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Howell recorded four quarterback pressures, matching a team-high.

The young defensive end played on 44% of the team's defensive snaps. Although he did not register any official stats, his presence was felt. In the first quarter, he forced a holding penalty on Tampa Bay's Cody Mauch, which helped Kris Jenkins Jr. secure a sack.

Howell's transition to the NFL has looked easy, but he says his move from Bowling Green in the MAC to Texas A&M in the SEC was actually harder. Howell said, "I feel like it was more of a struggle trying to get from the MAC to the SEC than it was the SEC to the NFL, if that makes sense."

A Second Round Steal

The Bengals drafted Howell with the 41st overall pick in the second round. That surprised many, as he was the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year. During his final year at Texas A&M, he was second in the SEC with 11.5 sacks.

Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden said that up to 10 out of about 12 personnel members gave Howell a first round grade before the draft.

His teammates are glad he fell to Cincinnati. Right tackle Amarius Mims said, "I don't know he fell to us in the second round. I don't know how that was possible." Mims added that Howell is one of the best rookies he has faced.

Defensive end Shemar Stewart, who also played with Howell at Texas A&M, recalled his teammate's college days. Stewart said, "I just remember him dogging people out, doing people in." Stewart warned that the NFL season is long and physically demanding, but Howell feels his SEC background has prepared him for the speed of the professional game.