The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t looking for franchise-changing, immediate contributions from most of their 2026 rookie draft class.
That only applied to the 10th overall pick, which turned into Dexter Lawrence via trade. Call it mission accomplished, just in a way nobody expected.
As for the rest of the early returns on the Bengals’ draft class this year, it’s a top-heavy thing.
That would explain why, as a whole, the Cashius Howell-led draft class only ranks 20th among every rookie class this year in the mind of Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo.
“Cashius Howell has been among the top-performing rookie pass rushers,” Melo wrote. “No other members of this seven-prospect class are really playing meaningful snaps yet, but it remains early, and Howell looks like a real find. Hopefully Connor Lew and Brian Parker II develop into future solutions on the offensive line. Grade: C+”
Howell is interesting because he’s the classical "production" prospect vs. Shemar Stewart, his teammate the Bengals took in the first round last year, who is more of a “traits and upside only” prospect. Howell already outperforming Stewart is super interesting, to say the least.
Otherwise, fourth-round wideout Colbie Young had a big planned role in the offense already before getting hurt. Linemen Connor Lew and Brian Parker indeed have long-term starter upside. Third-round corner Tacario Davis, if nothing else, looks like a tight-end-stopper. And seventh-rounders Jack Endries and Landon Robinson were good enough to make the 53.
The instant production after Howell hasn’t been there, but the long-term upside to the Bengals’ draft class is certainly massive and will be something to watch in future years.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' draft class could end up elite in the long-term