Duke Tobin’s biggest draft move didn’t happen while the Cincinnati Bengals were on the clock. It occurred last weekend when he acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants for the 10th overall pick. The Bengals added another pass rusher in the NFL draft by taking Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell in the second round. The additions of Howell and Lawrence, along with signing edge rusher Boye Mafe and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen at the start of free agency, give coach Zac Taylor more confidence in his defensive line’s ability to rush the passer.

The Cincinnati Bengals continued to invest in their pass rush Friday night by selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell with their first pick of the NFL draft. Howell was the 41st overall player taken in the draft and the third edge rusher in the second round. He was an Associated Press first-team All-American and the SEC’s defensive player of the year. The Bengals had notable needs at linebacker and cornerback, but the opportunity to add a premium pass rusher in Howell was too good to pass up.