The Cincinnati Bengals opted to trade their first-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence is a huge upgrade on the defensive side of the football. He should shore up the Bengals' run defense, which ranked dead last in the NFL last season. In the second round, the Bengals used the No. 41 pick to select Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell to jolt their pass rush. This move comes after the Bengals lost Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai in free agency. They added Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen and Lawrence along the defensive line, but the 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year is a much needed addition at edge rusher. Bengals Select Texas A&M Edge Rusher Cashius Howell Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (DL41) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Bengals needed to add a pass rusher.…