The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Cincinnati Bengals have added seven players to the roster. Media outlets across the country are weighing in with grades and expert analysis.
Round 2, Pick 41 - DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
"He's a twitchy mover who sets up tackles with his pacing extremely well. He goes to the perfect spot on a Cincinnati team that needs edge-rushing help and can also afford to let him be a specialist."
"The Bengals score an excellent value in their quest to replace the relentless pass rush production of Trey Hendrickson. Howell can get to the quarterback in a variety of ways with his speed, quickness and high energy."
"...the Bengals grabbed a true game-wrecker. The SEC defensive player of the year and a unanimous first-team All-American, Howell (6-2 1/2, 253) finished with 11 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss and six passes defensed last year. The Bengals have reset their defensive line."
"The Bengals have some depth, but the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year will keep the pressure on other recent draft picks to step up."
View the top photos of Cincinnati Bengals second-round pick DE Cashius Howell during his time at Texas A&M.
Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) lines up against UTSA during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
FILE - Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) rushes Samford quarterback Quincy Crittendon (2) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft, File)
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) is sacked by Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) prays in the end zone before the start of an NCAA college football game against Samford on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (18) celebrates during an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) is hit by Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (18) the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) has the ball knocked away from him for a turnover near the goldmine by Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (18) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell waits for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Texas A&M and Arkansas, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. Texas A&M won 21-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) sacks Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (41) participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Round 3, Pick 72 - CB Tacario Davis, Washington
"The Bengals hit on their key corner need with a big cover man who is very aggressive in making plays on the ball. He should deliver well with improved pressure up front from Lawrence and the fellow rookie Howell."
"Davis is a big prospect at nearly 6'4", so he figures to be more of a boundary player, potentially...One of the younger players in the draft class, Davis is a really interesting prospect for Bengals coaches to mold."
View the top photos of Cincinnati Bengals third-round pick CB Tacario Davis during his time at Arizona and Washington.
The University of Washington football team plays Wisconsin on November 8 2025. (Photography by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures)
Washington football vs Illinois in Seattle, Washington on October 25, 2025. Photo by David Ryder
Washington cornerback Tacario Davis in action against Colorado State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington cornerback Tacario Davis looks on before a play against Illinois during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington's Tacario Davis plays during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Washington cornerback Tacario Davis points before a play against Illinois during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington cornerback Tacario Davis reacts during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington cornerback Tacario Davis (8) in action against Colorado State defensive back Elijah Brown (6) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Arizona defensive back Tacario Davis (1) lines up during the first half of an NCAA college football game against TCU Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Arizona defensive back Tacario Davis (1) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Houston, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Round 4, Pick 128 - C Connor Lew, Auburn
"Connor Lew is a strong and agile blocker. I thought he had a chance to go at the end of Round 2, so I love this value for Cincinnati. Connor Lew is a strong and agile blocker. I thought he had a chance to go at the end of Round 2, so I love this value for Cincinnati."
"Lew is a fluid mover who has the athleticism needed to get to the second level as a blocker. The 6-3, 310-pound center will need to continue adding strength to his frame but has the tools and toughness needed to emerge as a potential starter..."
"Lew was arguably the best prospect available. He was my favorite center in the class prior to his injury. Cincinnati may have found its center of the future in the fourth round."
View the top photos of Cincinnati Bengals fourth-round pick C Connor Lew during his time at Auburn.
AUBURN, AL - October 11, 2025 - Auburn Offensive Lineman Connor Lew (#75) during the game between the (#10) Georgia Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL.
Photo by Austin Perryman
Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew waits for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Baylor and Auburn Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew lifts weights at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
NORMAN, OK - September 20, 2025 - Auburn Offensive Lineman Connor Lew (#75) during the game between the (#22) Auburn Tigers and the (#11) Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, OK.
Photo by Austin Perryman
Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew (32) speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
AUBURN, AL - September 06, 2025 - Auburn Offensive Lineman Jeremiah Wright (#77) and Auburn Offensive Lineman Connor Lew (#75) during the game between the Ball State Cardinals and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew (32) speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
AUBURN, AL - September 13, 2025 - Auburn Offensive Lineman Connor Lew (#75) during the game between the South Alabama Jaguars and the (#24) Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. Photo By Austin Perryman
Texas A&M offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III, left, and Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew, right, stretch before they lift weights at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
NORMAN, OK - September 20, 2025 - Auburn Offensive Lineman Connor Lew (#75) during pregame warmups before the game between the (#22) Auburn Tigers and the (#11) Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, OK.
Photo by Austin Perryman
Round 4, Pick 140 - WR Colbie Young
"Big with build-up speed, Young fits the profile of a Bengals pick...Burrow can weaponize his best attributes."
View the top photos of Cincinnati Bengals fourth-round pick WR Colbie Young during his time at Miami and Georgia
Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young (8) catches a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
WR Colbie Young
Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young (8) is hit by Mississippi cornerback Jaylon Braxton (2) during the second half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football playoff quarterfinal game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young (8) runs a route during the first half of an NCAA football game against Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young (8) during Georgia's game against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)
Georgia Red Team wide receiver Colbie Young (8) celebrates in the hedges during the NCAA college football team's spring game, Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young (8) fights for extra yards during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Austin Peay, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young (8) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Miami wide receiver Colbie Young, right, makes a catch for a touchdown as Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami wide receiver Colbie Young (4) stays in bounds on a pass reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Round 6, Pick 189 - OT Brian Parker II
"Parker has some versatility, so the fact Cincinnati took center, Connor Lew, earlier is not a problem. Parker is just a good value in the sixth round. Savvy pick by the Bengals."
"He worked out at center during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and should have the strong hands and grip strength needed to hold up against opposing defensive tackles."
"Brian Parker is a quality athlete who pass protects well... He can play multiple positions, so that should help protect Joe Burrow, which, again, is always a good thing."
View the top photos of Cincinnati Bengals sixth-round pick Brian Parker II during his time at Duke.
Duke's Brian Parker II (53) blocks during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Durham, N.C. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Duke's Brian Parker II (53) blocks during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Duke offensive lineman Brian Parker II (53) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
Duke offensive lineman Brian Parker II (53) blocks Clemson safety Ronan Hanafin (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
OT Brian Parker II
OT Brian Parker II
OT Brian Parker II
OT Brian Parker II
OT Brian Parker II
OT Brian Parker II
Round 7, Pick 221 - TE Jack Endries
"...It is surprising that he was still available in the seventh round. Cincinnati has played the board well. "
"Joe Burrow will love throwing to him, and getting Endries in the seventh round after the major, mid-round run on tight ends is a great value."
"...I had Endries going in the fourth round, so this is an amazing value."
View the top photos of Cincinnati Bengals seventh-round pick Jack Endries during his time at Texas and Cal.
Texas tight end Jack Endries plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Texas tight end Jack Endries (88) is upended after a catch as he is defended by Vanderbilt safety CJ Heard, center, and safety Randon Fontenette (2) after a catch during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) and tight end Jack Endries (88) react during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Texas tight end Jack Endries (88) in action during an NCAA football game against Florida, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated Texas 29-21. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Texas tight end Jack Endries, second from left,is pulled down by Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Texas tight end Jack Endries (88) scores against San Jose State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a route during an NCAA football game against Florida, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated Texas 29-21. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Texas tight end Jack Endries (88) runs against Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe (3) after a catch during the second half an NCAA college football game between Texas A&M and Texas, Nov. 28, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
California tight end Jack Endries (87) runs after a catch for a touchdown against Miami defensive back D'Yoni Hill (19) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
California tight end Jack Endries (87) runs after a catch against Stanford linebacker Spencer Jorgensen (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Round 7, Pick 226 - DT Landon Robinson
"Robinson is a shorter interior defender who is an Ohio native and recently got a close up look of the Bengals on a visit. "
"...He's exceptionally quick and is coming off a 6.5-sack season in 2025. Robinson's quickness will make him an ideal rotational fit alongside Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen..."
View the top photos of Cincinnati Bengals seventh-round pick Landon Robinson during his time at Navy.
FILE - Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson (96) celebrates with cornerback Phillip Hamilton (36) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)
Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson (96) takes down Army quarterback Bryson Daily (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson (96) and Navy cornerback Phillip Hamilton (36) celebrate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Navy defensive end Justin Reed (94) and Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson (96) take down Army running back Kanye Udoh (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson (96) celebrates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
