Cashius Howell, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, made his NFL debut for the Cincinnati Bengals in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Howell matched Boye Mafe with a team-high four quarterback pressures. Defensive coordinator Al Golden said, "He showed up [on Sunday]."

Five months after the Bengals drafted him with the 41st overall pick, it still seems incredulous that Cincinnati landed Howell. Golden recalled that as many as 10 Bengals personnel gave Howell a first-round grade. Right tackle Amarius Mims said Howell is one of the best rookies he's faced in three years.

Howell's real eye-opener came in a joint practice against the Chicago Bears, where he held his own against Darnell Wright. "I don't know how he fell to us in the second round," Mims said. "I'm very glad he's on our team."

In his first NFL action, Howell forced a holding penalty on Cody Mauch, helping Kris Jenkins Jr. secure a sack. He played 44% of defensive snaps.