Former Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell is already making an impact in the Cincinnati Bengals’ pass rush, even though he hasn't recorded his first NFL sack yet.
Through two games, Pro Football Focus (PFF) credits Howell with seven quarterback pressures
, the second-most among NFL rookies. Only David Bailey has more with eight. Howell also has a 17.0% pass-rush win rate, ranking second among the rookie edge rushers listed by NFL Draft Files.Howell’s role grew in Cincinnati’s 20-6 win over Houston. After playing 25 defensive snaps in the season opener against Tampa Bay, he played 41 against the Texans, just four fewer than starter Myles Murphy. Howell accounted for six of his seven pressures against Houston as the Bengals kept C.J. Stroud
out of the end zone.
That production gives Howell 66 defensive snaps through his first two games. Cincinnati has used him as part of a deep edge rotation, but his increased playing time against Houston suggests he is earning a larger role.
The traditional numbers tell a quieter story. Howell has one assisted tackle and no official sacks, so his pressure totals better show what he has contributed so far. Against Houston, he repeatedly found his way into the backfield without finishing with a sack.
Aggies fans should be familiar with Howell's early production. He finished his final season at Texas A&M with 11.5 sacks and earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors before Cincinnati selected him in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Two games are a small sample, but Howell has made the most of his opportunities. If he continues generating pressure as his snap count rises, that first sack might not be far away.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Former Texas A&M star Cashius Howell ranks second in rookie pressures
