Not what I was expecting but the initial reactions from CBS and USA Today are very positive with the pick of Howell.  

From the NFL Network on Howell:

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 1-2
NFL Comparison
Will McDonald IV

Overview
Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals. Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential. As a run defender he’s frequently knocked around at the point and struggles to consistently execute tasks asked of an NFL edge-setter. Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum.

Strengths
Three straight seasons of impressive pressure and sack totals.
Can bend, corner and flatten into pockets.
Creates smart rush distance, avoiding punch by long tackles.
Already working with a series of go-to moves in his bag.
A wicked inside spin counter can defeat tackles.
Long hop helps gain positioning advantage on vertical rush.
Major problem for quarterbacks with undisciplined drop depth.
Trigger quickness to knife into B-gap and blow up play design.
Above-average change direction and pursuit burst from the back side.

Weaknesses
Not enough sand in his pants to hold his ground at the point.
Requires better technique for competent edge-setting.
Drops eyes and ducks his helmet into first contact.
Displays occasional indecisiveness in attacking run blocks.
Pass rush lacks speed variance and diversified setup.
Hands need more schooling to unlock NFL rush potential.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cashius-howell/3200484f-5752-6021-24a1-b509c0618eb6

15 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Who dey! Lol terrible pick!

Yes, nothing screams terrible pick more than All American and SEC defensive players of the year. ?

37 minutes ago, sportsfan41 said:

Yes, nothing screams terrible pick more than All American and SEC defensive players of the year. ?

SEC is pretty overrated! Just ask the Big Ten!

12 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

SEC is pretty overrated! Just ask the Big Ten!

Steelers must not have thought so as the receiver they took (that they didn't need) was from the SEC and their other pick was from the Big 12 which was worse than the SEC.

The Bengals select CB Tacario Davis from Washington with the #72 pick of the draft.

From ESPN:

Tacario Davis, CB, 6'3", 194 lbs, Washington

Pre-Draft Analysis
Davis missed multiple games in 2025 with separate injuries, but he has elite length for the cornerback position. He knows how to reroute receivers and get them off their landmarks early in routes. And even when Davis loses a step early, he has the ability to still make a play on the ball. Davis can struggle to change direction on sharp cuts or double moves, which makes him better suited in zone coverage since he can disrupt at the line of scrimmage then drop back into coverage. He is adequate in run support, but that's not his strong suit. -- Scouts Inc.

Post-Draft Analysis
Davis played only seven games last season due to injuries, but at this point, his medicals must be golden compared with Jermod McCoy's. The Bengals need depth at the cornerback position behind starters Dax Hill and DJ Turner, and there's really no clear starter at the nickel right now. -- Aaron Schatz

From the NFL:

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4
NFL Comparison
Nahshon Wright

Overview
Davis is more disruptive than productive with size, length and strength to reroute releases from press. He slams catch windows closed when he’s in the neighborhood. While his physical traits make a wideout’s job tougher, their route-running prowess can do the same to Davis. He’s average matching breaks and more complicated routes tend to shake him. His long arms help him defend throws from deep zone and make tackles in the open field. An NFL staff should be able to coax more consistent run support from him. He’ll be tagged as a zone corner, but his eyes and range could earn him free safety consideration.

Strengths
Very tall with an impressive wingspan and plus ball skills.
Able to knock releases off course with his length.
Will squat on and jump short routes when he senses it.
Impossible to throw over him when he’s in phase downfield.
Keys quarterback to squeeze routes from zone shuffle.
Gains speed quickly when his legs unfurl.
Expansive tackle net to bring in open-field runners.

Weaknesses
Pops upright as his pedal progresses.
Hitch in his transition when break catches him off-guard.
Willing to grab instead of trusting technique and size.
Athletic but struggles guarding multi-breaking routes.
Inconsistent body control as a tackler.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tacario-davis/32004441-5676-3631-f32a-29d3f08901fe

Howell looks like a good value pick.

Davis - questionable pick. 

There is a talking head on ESPN right now that just picked the Bengals to win the AFC.

Kevin Clark is the commentator. 

1 minute ago, theguru said:

There is a talking head on ESPN right now that just picked the Bengals to win the AFC.

Kevin Clark is the commentator. 

I was just going to post the same thing! He said and I quote "I think the Bengals are my pick to win the AFC".

He loved the trading of the pick for Lawrence said he is the most double-teamed human on earth said he can't even walk down the street without a center and a guard doubling him. He loved the Cashius Howell pick as well and Tacario Davis is a big corner who can run and hit. He finished by saying that with the Bengals offense if they can get the defense to just a top 15 they will be set. I love it!

3 minutes ago, 16thBBall Fan said:

I was just going to post the same thing! He said and I quote "I think the Bengals are my pick to win the AFC".

He loved the trading of the pick for Lawrence said he is the most double-teamed human on earth said he can't even walk down the street without a center and a guard doubling him. He loved the Cashius Howell pick as well and Tacario Davis is a big corner who can run and hit. He finished by saying that with the Bengals offense if they can get the defense to just a top 15 they will be set. I love it!

You're too slow, 16. ??‍♂️

28 minutes ago, theguru said:

You're too slow, 16. ??‍♂️

I know long week at school old man is tired. I was trying to watch the draft, my Lakers and the Reds. Overall a great night! I loved the Bengals picks, the Lakers win in OT and the Reds walk it off!

I was just watching the highlights of the Lakers win, they are up 3-0, and to your larger point, it was a great sports day. ?