The Cincinnati Bengals are putting their future pass rush in the hands of the Texas Aggies.

Former A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, who was a unanimous first team All-American last season, was selected by the Bengals with the ninth pick in the second round (41st overall). He will reunite with fellow Aggie Shemar Stewart, taken 17th overall last year by the Bengals.

Howell had a tremendous 2025 campaign, with 31 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year to go with his All-American recognition.

Some teams had concerns about Howell’s short arms, which probably cost him a first round selection, but he didn’t have to wait very long for the Bengals to grap him. Cincinnati needs significant help in the pass rush department, after star defensive end Trey Hendrickson ended a very contentious final season with the Bengals by signing with Baltimore in free agency.

There could be a third Aggie on the defensive line in Cincinnati, as defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson remains under contract with the Bengals. Jackson’s playing time was minimal last year, however, and he may end up being released after the Bengals traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and signed Jonathan Allen in free agency.