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With training camp just weeks away, the young guns on the Cincinnati Bengals now have their big chance to make an impact and carve out an important role heading into the 2026 season.
For the Bengals rookies, starting July 29, it's a chance to make a name for themselves and compete for either key roles early on, or just to make the 53-man roster. Here are some of those rookies to keep an eye on.
Starting off easy with the Bengals' first draft pick from this year -- for those living under a rock this offseason, the Bengals traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The Bengals have plenty of young guns on the edge they are hoping step up this season, following the loss of Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens. Howell is very much on that list, as the Bengals have hyped up the Texas A&M product this offseason. Assistant general manager Mike Potts described his tool set as "second-to-none in this draft class."
Howell posted 11.5 sacks in 2025. He may not reach that total right away in Cincinnati, but he should be involved in the rotation early on. Training camp and the preseason could give us a hint as to how much.
Dax Hill and DJ Turner II are pretty well set as the starting outside cornerbacks. The nickel cornerback position, however, is very much up for grabs and will be one of the more interesting position battles in camp. Among those in the mix will be third-round pick Tacario Davis out of Washington.
The 6'4" corner is already making an impression on his teammates, including fellow cornerback Hill. "Fluid in coverage. He brings us a lot at the line of scrimmage with his length," Hill told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "You don't see guys (tall corners) like that nowadays. That was kind of back in the day. His size brings an intimidating presence."
Davis can play inside or outside and may even push to play outside. But if he shows well enough in training camp, the Bengals will look to find a spot somewhere for him.
The Bengals are going to play the long game with Lew. Ted Karras will man the center position for 2026, but there is a lot to like about the future of the center position with Lew. He is recovering from an ACL injury but expects to be ready to go for training camp. We'll keep an eye on his progress in camp, but the future is very bright for the young prospect from Auburn.
The former Navy defensive tackle is going to bring freakish athleticism to the table. How he fares against NFL competition remains to be seen, but if there's a late-round prospect to be excited about, it's the one that models his game after future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 4 Bengals rookies to watch in training camp
Continue reading...
For the Bengals rookies, starting July 29, it's a chance to make a name for themselves and compete for either key roles early on, or just to make the 53-man roster. Here are some of those rookies to keep an eye on.
Edge Cashius Howell
Starting off easy with the Bengals' first draft pick from this year -- for those living under a rock this offseason, the Bengals traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The Bengals have plenty of young guns on the edge they are hoping step up this season, following the loss of Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens. Howell is very much on that list, as the Bengals have hyped up the Texas A&M product this offseason. Assistant general manager Mike Potts described his tool set as "second-to-none in this draft class."
Howell posted 11.5 sacks in 2025. He may not reach that total right away in Cincinnati, but he should be involved in the rotation early on. Training camp and the preseason could give us a hint as to how much.
CB Tacario Davis
Dax Hill and DJ Turner II are pretty well set as the starting outside cornerbacks. The nickel cornerback position, however, is very much up for grabs and will be one of the more interesting position battles in camp. Among those in the mix will be third-round pick Tacario Davis out of Washington.
The 6'4" corner is already making an impression on his teammates, including fellow cornerback Hill. "Fluid in coverage. He brings us a lot at the line of scrimmage with his length," Hill told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "You don't see guys (tall corners) like that nowadays. That was kind of back in the day. His size brings an intimidating presence."
Davis can play inside or outside and may even push to play outside. But if he shows well enough in training camp, the Bengals will look to find a spot somewhere for him.
Center Connor Lew
The Bengals are going to play the long game with Lew. Ted Karras will man the center position for 2026, but there is a lot to like about the future of the center position with Lew. He is recovering from an ACL injury but expects to be ready to go for training camp. We'll keep an eye on his progress in camp, but the future is very bright for the young prospect from Auburn.
DT Landon Robinson
The former Navy defensive tackle is going to bring freakish athleticism to the table. How he fares against NFL competition remains to be seen, but if there's a late-round prospect to be excited about, it's the one that models his game after future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 4 Bengals rookies to watch in training camp
Continue reading...
