Why Bengals' Top Draft Pick Cashius Howell Is Compared to Raiders' Maxx Crosby by NFL Exec

For the second straight draft, the Cincinnati Bengals used their first draft pick on an edge-rusher from Texas A&M. The prospect profiles couldn't be much different, though.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler compared second-round selection Cashius Howell to five-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby in terms of his on-field motor.

Fowler also cited an AFC scout who foresees Howell enjoying a long pro career.

"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," they said.

Howell played five seasons of college ball, three at Bowling Green and then the final two with A&M. He compiled 27 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss in 56 games.

That experience and production are quite a contrast from Shemar Stewart, who only had 4.5 sacks in three years for the Aggies. He nonetheless vaulted into Round 1 because he ticked a lot of the boxes in terms of his raw tools.

Stewart proceeded to put together a disappointing rookie season, which followed an extended contract holdout. In eight games, he had one sack and 11 total tackles.

Between that and losing Trey Hendrickson to free agency, targeting an edge-rusher was an understandable call for the Bengals, who traded their first-rounder (No. 10) for veteran defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski gave Cincy an A grade for the Howell pick.

"In one way, Howell is the type of pass-rusher every team wants, because he's relentless as he tracks down opposing quarterbacks," Sobleski wrote. "His non-stop motor makes him the type of player who consistently creates plays, even when he struggles to get quick wins. The major hang-up in his evaluation concerns Howell's arm length."

Grading Cashius Howell Pick

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Crosby was a fourth-round pick in 2019, making him an obvious example of how skilled pass-rushers can fall to the middle stages of the draft.

Even if Howell doesn't reach that level, becoming a consistent performer off the edge would be a big boost for the Bengals defense.