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. ***** istant 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.
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. ***** istant 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.
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