3 minutes ago, New Jersey Bengal said:

Similar to chris henry

Hopefully he can straighten himself out like Chris Henry did. Chris did some really stupid stuff when he first got here.

5 minutes ago, Shebengal said:

Hopefully he can straighten himself out like Chris Henry did. Chris did some really stupid stuff when he first got here.

Was very immature

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-grades-giants-among-4-teams-with-an-a-while-a-super-bowl-contender-doesnt-do-so-hot-051100373.html

Not sure how reliable the source is (the way I feel about a lot of stuff showing up here... NOT to be interpreted as any sort of shot at the poster because I do appreciate them)

but some interesting insight or things I have not really heard now that Its The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: D

Here's why: This seems like a low-impact draft class considering what the Bengals needed to get out of this year’s crop of players. Cashius Howell technically fills a need at defensive end, but he has a long way to go in terms of developing strength before he can be counted on as an every-down defensive end. Given the Bengals’ recent history of developing defensive linemen, this might not be the best landing spot for Howell to take advantage of his speed long term. Tacario Davis and Colbie Young were risky picks as well. It just doesn’t feel like they took any high-floor bets in this class.

Most interesting pick: Connor Lew, OL, Auburn

Lew was seen as one of the top picks in this year’s draft prior to suffering a season-ending torn ACL last October. He has the tools to be a quality starter in the NFL and there’s a chance that, if he can get back to pre-injury form, he can be a long-term starter along the Bengals’ offensive line.

this kind of thinking is the reason for my skeptical answer earlier in the thread.

Side note: from what I saw in some of Cashius's clips he is going to have to tone down

the victory celebrations or the flags for excessive celebration will negate any lost yardage.

4 hours ago, Shebengal said:

Hopefully he can straighten himself out like Chris Henry did. Chris did some really stupid stuff when he first got here.

Dane Brugler from Athletic does extensive background on all of the draft prospects, with quite being described as immature by college coaches and pro scouts. Not Colbie Young though, despite his suspension while the terrible-sounding incident was being investigated. Here's what Brugler said about Young:

• Strong character feedback from coaches and scouts (NFL scout: “He likes to be coached and is a student of the game … reserved but polite. … He’ll fit in any locker room.”)

• Instead of preserving himself for the draft process after a 2025 leg injury, he rehabbed rigorously to return for the College Football Playoff (Zachariah Branch: “Sometimes, people get injured and disappear, but he was nothing like that.”)

IMO it wasn't a very good draft. Howell might become a good NFL player but he'll be DE4 at best this year unless they are throwing in the towel on Stewart already (which I'm sure they aren't). That's a need that could have been filled by one of the veteran DEs who are still unsigned. Bosa, Clowney, Fowler, or Jordan would give us a season to see if Murphy or Stewart can become good players. So taking Howell came with the opportunity cost of not getting a starter at another position. Ponds or Rodriguez would have walked in as immediate starters and upgrades over J Davis or Carter.

T Davis is an outside CB who I guess they plan to use vs TEs in the Tre Flowers role. He isn't good in man coverage which Golden supposedly prefers. They could have had Abney instead who is a better player. Lew seems like another version of Matt Lee. He's an experienced, athletic center with questions about his strength. And is coming back from a major injury. Young in round 4 seems like a reach. Why not wait and take Caldwell instead? Endries seems pretty meh but he's a 7th rounder. I like the Parker and Robinson picks.

2 hours ago, sparky151 said:

IMO it wasn't a very good draft. Howell might become a good NFL player but he'll be DE4 at best this year unless they are throwing in the towel on Stewart already (which I'm sure they aren't). That's a need that could have been filled by one of the veteran DEs who are still unsigned. Bosa, Clowney, Fowler, or Jordan would give us a season to see if Murphy or Stewart can become good players. So taking Howell came with the opportunity cost of not getting a starter at another position. Ponds or Rodriguez would have walked in as immediate starters and upgrades over J Davis or Carter.

T Davis is an outside CB who I guess they plan to use vs TEs in the Tre Flowers role. He isn't good in man coverage which Golden supposedly prefers. They could have had Abney instead who is a better player. Lew seems like another version of Matt Lee. He's an experienced, athletic center with questions about his strength. And is coming back from a major injury. Young in round 4 seems like a reach. Why not wait and take Caldwell instead? Endries seems pretty meh but he's a 7th rounder. I like the Parker and Robinson picks.

I don't think Howell is going to get buried on the depth chart. I expect to see him on 3rd downs & long yardage situations. Dude's nonstop but I admit his tape vs the Longhorns did give me pause. No quit in him but he was pretty much getting handled. I don't think they trust Murphy to keep playing if they extend him & I don't blame them. Stewart needs to learn how to play NFL ball and that's not going to happen stuck behind some vet. If he continues to look lost they will probably make a move but they would need to juggle the cap some with the way they front-loaded the shit out of their FA contracts.

Knight was supposed to "have walked in as an immediate starter" last year. That rarely happens. An upgrade over Carter I can believe but that goes for any halfway decent vet FA they might bring in - basically what you said about Bosa, Clowney etc except applied to LB. More rookies won't fix an inexperienced starting group.

I don't like the unnecessary risks in round 4 either but when they're into day 3 picks it's kind of like.. who gives a shit? Maybe 1-2 can actually play, which is about average for the back half of the draft. Most of those dudes hang around the fringes of a roster, if they don't wash out entirely.

On 4/27/2026 at 11:27 AM, Shebengal said:

Hopefully he can straighten himself out like Chris Henry did. Chris did some really stupid stuff when he first got here.

According to Dylan Fairchild, there is nothing to straighten out with Davis as there clearly was with both Henry and Burton.

“He’s an extremely talented guy,” Fairchild said. “I was super fired up when I found out he was coming here. I’ve seen one-arm grabs. I’ve seen him dunk on a couple of guys and go over the top. He can make some crazy plays. He has made a couple of fade balls on the sideline that have been super impressive to me. I’ve been a fan of his game since Day 1. As soon as he walked in the building, we were pumped to have him.” “He’s a great guy, too. I know there’s the off the field stuff. He’s a great dude. He’s going to bring great energy. He’s a very positive guy. He’s a great dude. He loves being around the guys. I know that for a fact. I’m an O-Lineman, he’s a receiver, we talk. He’s a great dude.”

19 hours ago, T-Dub said:

I don't think Howell is going to get buried on the depth chart. I expect to see him on 3rd downs & long yardage situations. Dude's nonstop but I admit his tape vs the Longhorns did give me pause. No quit in him but he was pretty much getting handled. I don't think they trust Murphy to keep playing if they extend him & I don't blame them. Stewart needs to learn how to play NFL ball and that's not going to happen stuck behind some vet. If he continues to look lost they will probably make a move but they would need to juggle the cap some with the way they front-loaded the shit out of their FA contracts.

Knight was supposed to "have walked in as an immediate starter" last year. That rarely happens. An upgrade over Carter I can believe but that goes for any halfway decent vet FA they might bring in - basically what you said about Bosa, Clowney etc except applied to LB. More rookies won't fix an inexperienced starting group.

I don't like the unnecessary risks in round 4 either but when they're into day 3 picks it's kind of like.. who gives a shit? Maybe 1-2 can actually play, which is about average for the back half of the draft. Most of those dudes hang around the fringes of a roster, if they don't wash out entirely.

Howell isn't a good run defender, he's a designated pass rusher. One would think the team's first choice DEs on 3rd and 8 would be Mafe and Murphy. Maybe Howell beats one of them out or one of them gets hurt. But Howell doesn't have an immediate route to lots of snaps. Stewart may play inside some but none of Murphy, Mafe, or Howell have the size or power for that.

32 minutes ago, sparky151 said:

Howell isn't a good run defender, he's a designated pass rusher. One would think the team's first choice DEs on 3rd and 8 would be Mafe and Murphy. Maybe Howell beats one of them out or one of them gets hurt. But Howell doesn't have an immediate route to lots of snaps. Stewart may play inside some but none of Murphy, Mafe, or Howell have the size or power for that.

I think we're going to see him lined up as an OLB as much as DE if not more

3 hours ago, T-Dub said:

I think we're going to see him lined up as an OLB as much as DE if not more

So they use Carter as the coverage LB and Knight sits? Would have been a lot simpler to draft Rodriguez or Hill in round 2 and replace Carter with a better player. You object to starting rookie LBs but that's a broad category which includes good players and bad. After last year's draft Golden said they had Carter graded as a 2nd round player and they were happy to get him in round 4. That's precisely the problem. He's not very good and neither he nor Knight would have been close to the 2nd round in this year's class. But the Bengals draft for need so they have to take what they can get, even if it's subpar.

2 hours ago, T-Dub said:

I think we're going to see him lined up as an OLB as much as DE if not more

I feel like he will be dropping in coverage some while mostly lining up on the edge. This season Mafe and Howell will be performing a similar role. Because neither one of them has the size to play the entire game against o-linemen that outweigh by 50 or more pounds. Last season Seattle's defense was successful because they attached offenses by coming after the QBs in waves. Mafe only took about 50 percent of the snaps.

He might take a little more in Cincinnati, but I doubt he gets anywhere close to 70 percent of scrimmage snaps. But at least one of Mafe or Howell figure to be on the field at all times, occasionally both will play together.

7 hours ago, sparky151 said:

Howell isn't a good run defender, he's a designated pass rusher. One would think the team's first choice DEs on 3rd and 8 would be Mafe and Murphy. Maybe Howell beats one of them out or one of them gets hurt. But Howell doesn't have an immediate route to lots of snaps. Stewart may play inside some but none of Murphy, Mafe, or Howell have the size or power for that.

I’d expect Howell to play primarily on 3rd downs and obvious passing situations next year. Run defense is not a strength (same with Trey).

I think (hope) we'll see more rotation with (more hopium) a vet in the mix

This D has needed closers. Guys that can make a play to ice a game. How many games in the last few years have slipped from their grasp late because they were so pathetic on D?

When Trey got hurt, they had exactly no one. Zero!

At DT, I’d like to think Dex can be one. Or Allen. On the outside, Murphy, or Mafe, or Howell. Or Brian Cook - at least he can tackle. And one would hope that the 2 outside corners will continue to develop.

Still TBD, but I feel like there is more potential to choose from this year, as opposed to the recent past. No more excuses.

I mean getting snaps for everyone that actually deserves them seems like the opposite of a problem & so far from what we've seen of this roster as to be irrelevant

1 hour ago, spicoli said:

I dont know, this kid reminds me more of Hendickson (who can't play the run) than Crosby (who can).

Draft grades are a meaningless exercise, it's pure click bait. Also, the national media is brainwashed into hating everything the Bengals do. If any other team would have traded for an All Pro DT/NT and drafted the SEC DPOY to help bolster their defense it would have praised, the Bengals do it and these "experts" start inventing excuses for why the Bengals are idiots.

On 4/28/2026 at 5:31 PM, sparky151 said:

IMO it wasn't a very good draft. Howell might become a good NFL player but he'll be DE4 at best this year unless they are throwing in the towel on Stewart already (which I'm sure they aren't). That's a need that could have been filled by one of the veteran DEs who are still unsigned. Bosa, Clowney, Fowler, or Jordan would give us a season to see if Murphy or Stewart can become good players. So taking Howell came with the opportunity cost of not getting a starter at another position. Ponds or Rodriguez would have walked in as immediate starters and upgrades over J Davis or Carter.

T Davis is an outside CB who I guess they plan to use vs TEs in the Tre Flowers role. He isn't good in man coverage which Golden supposedly prefers. They could have had Abney instead who is a better player. Lew seems like another version of Matt Lee. He's an experienced, athletic center with questions about his strength. And is coming back from a major injury. Young in round 4 seems like a reach. Why not wait and take Caldwell instead? Endries seems pretty meh but he's a 7th rounder. I like the Parker and Robinson picks.

You are right, it wasn't a very good draft..it was a great draft. One of the best in recent history because it perfectly compliments what they did this offseason to rebuild the defense and add depth a key positions where options were either non-existent or too expensive.

Howell will play plenty, the depth chart on the dline doesn't mean much because the plan is the have a deep rotation of 8 to 9 players that play significant snaps every game. This allows all of them to stay fresh, avoid injuries, and put consistent pressure on opposing offenses. Howell is the perfect compliment to what we already have and will be a Trey Hendrickson replacement on 3rd downs. Veteran DE's are going to want 10 to 15 million per year while Howell can give us similar performance for a fraction of the cost and he's a young player that we can keep on the roster for the next 4 years. Ponds and Rodriquez are good players, I would have liked Rodriguez as well...but we needed a pass rush specialist to close out games like Hendrickson did for us so many times and Howell can be that guy.

Davis is another player that compliments what is already on the roster as he's a bigger CB that has the speed and strength to match up with bigger WR's that have given our secondary fits in the last few years. He's going to be an outside CB that will allow Dex to slide inside where they can take advantage of his skill set. He makes the secondary more versatile and is a good tackler, he's going to fit in well with this group of DBs. The Bengals weren't interested in Abney because they have multiple players with a similar build already on the roster...Davis is the only 6'4", 81-inch wingspan, 34-inch arms, and runs a 4.4 /40 DB on the team. He's a truly unique player that will help create more turnovers and shore up the back end with sound tackling. Lastly, Abney went in the 5th round so the NFL wasn't as high on him as fans, to say Abney is a better player is a bit much as they are completely different players. Abney is 5'10" while Davis is 6'4", they play the same position but that's where the similarities end.

Conner Lew and Matt Lee are nowhere near the same prospect, Lew was widely considered to be the best player at his position in the draft while Lee was barely drafted and is out of the NFL. Lew is a steal in the 4th round and will be a starter for the Bengals in the next 3 years.

As for Young, he has the potential to be a T Higgins clone that can add depth and give the Bengals options if Higgins gets hurt. He's a boom or bust pick, but he was drafted at the end of the 4th round so its not going to set the Bengals back if he doesn't pan out. All the reports are he's a hard worker who takes to coaching and is a pleasure to be around. The off the field incident seems to be in the past and the alleged victim recanted her accusation, so there is that.

Here's a reddit thread that gives more context and details. https://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/1idap53/georgia_receiver_colbie_young_reaches_plea_deal/?rdt=47569

"You want the truth? She was pregnant. He was fucking someone else. They were yelling at each other. She got in his face. He picked her up and roughly moved/slung her to another room. She called the cops and reported DV. There were marks so they arrested. She calmed down and realized her baby would be better off if its dad had NIL/NFL income. She recanted her story. Prosecution cut a deal"

So it sounds like an argument that got out of control and the police were called and do what they do when this occurs, they take someone to jail. The fact that she recanted her accusations and he was welcomed back to the UGA program speaks to seriousness of the alleged crime.

https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs-extra/2024/11/25/colbie-young-suspended-georgia-football-georgia-tech-arrest/76494034007/

“I have requested that the charges against Colbie Young be dismissed because the information contained in the police report is slanted and does not accurately portray what occurred on Oct. 8,” the female states in the affidavit.

5 hours ago, The PatternMaster said:

The fact that she recanted her accusations and he was welcomed back to the UGA program speaks to

The prospects of an expectant mother if the father's potential NFL career is ruined by her testimony?

The idea that this in any way exonerates him is ridiculous. The thing about abusers is that they only ever escalate, particularly when they've learned they can get away with it.

33 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

The prospects of an expectant mother if the father's potential NFL career is ruined by her testimony?

The idea that this in any way exonerates him is ridiculous. The thing about abusers is that they only ever escalate, particularly when they've learned they can get away with it.

Well nothing has esclated, so not sure what you're referencing with this abuser talk Bassd on the facts it was a one time incident and everything since then has been good.

Interesting

2 hours ago, The PatternMaster said:

Well nothing has esclated, so not sure what you're referencing with this abuser talk Bassd on the facts it was a one time incident and everything since then has been good.

It’s not good that it happened at all, but you’re right that it is a one time thing. It’s been resolved and there are no other issues that I could find in his background. It’s not like he got off completely free after taking a plea and serving a suspension. He was punished and it’s behind him now.

I didn't realize their relationship counselors were in here with the inside knowledge. What a relief to know that everything is "fine" and he's never acted out ever before, nor ever will again.

The statistics say otherwise.

On 4/25/2026 at 6:35 PM, New Jersey Bengal said:

Howell will drop back into coverage also something tha hell do better then hendrickson and estries is underated just like bengals te coach James Casey

yeah this was mentioned in his draft profile and on draft day, i didnt expect it, his size and speed makes him an obsticle in coverage but not like he will lock anyone down as no DE does that, really just taking up a passing lane and maybe patting a ball in the mid range depth.. fun players.. eager to see him in action for sure.

On 4/25/2026 at 6:37 PM, spicoli said:

I think they’ve had a fantastic off-season altogether. Kudos to them.

i dont think any of us could have drawn up the methods and hoels being filled the way they are, what i find intriguing is that each pickup in free agency speaks directly to a bit of a philosophy change if not a scheme change as a whole, which golden spoke on and taylor spoke of golden when he came on board that versatility was king in the nfl and in his system, and from some reactions it seems many bengals fans are trying to plug square pegs into round holes with the whole lot of free agents and draft picks. "so and so isnt a trey replacement" and we arnet trying to replace trey.. the defense was dogshit with and without him.. etc..

i am excited for this new era of nfl defenses as a whole, as teams have added different backs, wr power and endless TE's who can stretch the field, we are ging to see less reliance on LB's, more versatility for expanded looks from the edge, and likely some 3 safety sets as they try to chanse down WR's adn TE's and rb out of the backfield alike..

On 4/25/2026 at 7:13 PM, spicoli said:

Just one thing to consider…that dline had no one out there that teams had to respect last year. Lawrence is going to change the entire dynamic of the D simply because he occupies 2-3 guys on every snap. That’s HUGE for everyone…but for the LB’s especially.

EXACTLY... the domino effect of nfl defenses is ignored so much. entire fanbases want 11 pro bowlers and everyone who isnt amazing sucks.. just a 5% increase in pressure saves DB's, lbs, time in coverage, but also makes QB scramble which changes everything, increases mistakes, sacks, turnovers, throw aways, etc... but as you mentioned eliminating them forcing knight to rush off the edge out of no where and it failing miserably, they were able to stop that late in the year, and the rush and knights [performance improved a bit.. a noticable bit.

every team has a weakest group, everyteam wishes it was their linebakers.. DL and DB are your game changers.. LB's are more utility knives in the nfl..

the bengals knew what golden wanted, knew what they needed to get it, and pitch by pitch hit some line drives for sure..

and in mafe you added the versatility the talent and he jut left a championship locker room. he experienced the leadership, drive, attitude, and finishing off a SB... vital for this group of mostly young players..

On 4/25/2026 at 8:07 PM, Le Tigre said:

Every team wins on draft day.

the browns lose everyday.

On 4/27/2026 at 7:28 AM, Sea Ray said:

I don't see what Colby Young brings that they don't already have in Tinsley. So why go there?

the only aspects i see Colbie young having an edge over tinsley is:

size

athleticism

experience

pedigree

and speed

outside of that they are the same exact guy for sure.

On 4/27/2026 at 8:33 AM, dex said:

Young is almost 6-5 and has strong hands. Pitcher knows his QB and was looking for the most Burrow-friendly WR he could find in the middle rounds. The idea is to make teams pay deep down the field for pulling their safeties down on Chase and Tee.

Ioviss and Tinsley do some good things, but Young is better on GO balls. They are hoping that Young becomes the deep threat that Burton never was.

the biggest thing bengals said about him is his ability to catch in traffic, which is size related for sure, but he is bigger, faster, stronger, and played at higher levels to enter the league thatn Iosivas and Tinsley did..

a clear upgrade across the board on the grade card.

On 4/27/2026 at 12:35 PM, High School Harry said:

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-grades-giants-among-4-teams-with-an-a-while-a-super-bowl-contender-doesnt-do-so-hot-051100373.html

Not sure how reliable the source is (the way I feel about a lot of stuff showing up here... NOT to be interpreted as any sort of shot at the poster because I do appreciate them)

but some interesting insight or things I have not really heard now that Its The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: D

Here's why: This seems like a low-impact draft class considering what the Bengals needed to get out of this year’s crop of players. Cashius Howell technically fills a need at defensive end, but he has a long way to go in terms of developing strength before he can be counted on as an every-down defensive end. Given the Bengals’ recent history of developing defensive linemen, this might not be the best landing spot for Howell to take advantage of his speed long term. Tacario Davis and Colbie Young were risky picks as well. It just doesn’t feel like they took any high-floor bets in this class.

Most interesting pick: Connor Lew, OL, Auburn

Lew was seen as one of the top picks in this year’s draft prior to suffering a season-ending torn ACL last October. He has the tools to be a quality starter in the NFL and there’s a chance that, if he can get back to pre-injury form, he can be a long-term starter along the Bengals’ offensive line.

this kind of thinking is the reason for my skeptical answer earlier in the thread.

Side note: from what I saw in some of Cashius's clips he is going to have to tone down

the victory celebrations or the flags for excessive celebration will negate any lost yardage.

i saw this one, it reads of a guy analysing the teams and has never watched them play, knows nothing about the players, and is mailing it on at his lazy yahoo sports job.

which im going to assume is a bullseye on my part.

On 4/28/2026 at 3:31 PM, sparky151 said:

IMO it wasn't a very good draft. Howell might become a good NFL player but he'll be DE4 at best this year unless they are throwing in the towel on Stewart already (which I'm sure they aren't). That's a need that could have been filled by one of the veteran DEs who are still unsigned. Bosa, Clowney, Fowler, or Jordan would give us a season to see if Murphy or Stewart can become good players. So taking Howell came with the opportunity cost of not getting a starter at another position. Ponds or Rodriguez would have walked in as immediate starters and upgrades over J Davis or Carter.

T Davis is an outside CB who I guess they plan to use vs TEs in the Tre Flowers role. He isn't good in man coverage which Golden supposedly prefers. They could have had Abney instead who is a better player. Lew seems like another version of Matt Lee. He's an experienced, athletic center with questions about his strength. And is coming back from a major injury. Young in round 4 seems like a reach. Why not wait and take Caldwell instead? Endries seems pretty meh but he's a 7th rounder. I like the Parker and Robinson picks.

a lot to unpack here. its still not 2003, there isnt a depth chart of guys like back then. DE4 just isnt a relivant categorization. he is a pass rush specialist.. he will paly on pass rush downs. for years and years and years defenses have make HUGE points in fresh legs, rotation of guys on the DL, and versatility in groups and packages... we needed to improve pass rush success. Howell specifically and in pinpoint accuracy, does EXACTLY that.. we have two first round picks who are atheltic set edge run stopping DE's. Mafe and Howell add the edge/versatility/coverage drop/pass rush specificity...

the pick rounds out the group and makes it well rounded in many many ways... successful defensive fronts consist of versatility and and well rounded skillsets as a group... thats what howell does..

you wnted another athletic edge setting DE? with exact proof with treys 17.5 sacks season 2 years ago and the defense was a steaming pile of shit... its clear thats not the path. you ahve 5 guys on the DL who can cause a disturbance.. as well as depth... IMO, they arent trying to replace what they had, they are trying to change what they do and how they do it.

isnt good in man coverage? wtf... are yall just making up shit? i assume youre ferring to "struggles with routes that have multiple breaks". which isnt problem with man coverage...

"6 days ago — Davis is one of six corners to be drafted since 2019 with a man coverage grade above 82.0, zone coverage grade above 70.0, RAS above 9.50"

"Sticky in man coverage once he gets into a receiver's hip pocket, and his stride length lets him eat up ground without looking like he's working hard"

"Tacario Davis is a gifted athlete that plays great in press man coverage and cover 3. He can play outside on the boundaries or he can move"

"“He has the ability to play man to man coverage versus elite wide receivers in this league,”

i guess if you ignore the fact that he is really good in man coverage... you are correct.. he sucks at it...

On 4/29/2026 at 9:05 PM, Inigo Montoya said:

I’d expect Howell to play primarily on 3rd downs and obvious passing situations next year. Run defense is not a strength (same with Trey).

exactly. roles and versatility...

Dude same with the defense being shifty & unpredictable but we had that problem where the players weren't picking it up fast enough. Maybe his system will take root after a full year, don't try to reinvent the wheel & let the actual roster set the scheme by doing whatever they're good at, less think and more attack.

Or, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face? IDK what to expect, he's got big thinks so let's see him implement that shit