Future firepower: Three edge prospects who could supercharge Bengals’ front

For a Bengals team staring at an inevitable reshaping of its defensive front, the 2026 NFL Draft presents a chance to reinforce one of the AFC North’s most important battlegrounds: the edge. With Trey Hendrickson’s long-term future in Cincinnati uncertain and a division loaded with offensive playmakers, Cincinnati needs fresh pocket-disruptors who can win in isolation, collapse the launch point, and tilt games late in the fourth quarter. Three prospects -- one on each day -- fit that mold. Howell is one of the most explosive pass rushers in the entire class, and his skill set translates instantly to Sundays. Cincinnati drafted Shemar Stewart to add size, power, and versatility to its front, but Howell brings something different -- the pure twitch and first-step acceleration needed to beat tackles one-on-one and force quarterbacks off their spot. For a division where the Browns are likely breaking in a new rookie under center, the Steelers may be entering another youth movement post-Rodgers, and Lamar Jackson