Drafting primarily for instant impact is so rarely a good strategy. It’s how some of the Cincinnati Bengals’ worst draft picks were made.

Cincinnati did its best to avoided that during the 2026 NFL Draft. Positions that needed depth received it, and the surplus of value drafted was notable on both days the Bengals made picks.

That they still managed to select players who can make a notable impact this year is just the cherry on top.

It’s not a given all seven picks will make the roster, and it’s even more unlikely all of them will play significant snaps this coming season. There are three players who will be positioned to see the field early, and the nature of the game is destined to force them into action.

In ranking those players, it starts at the top of the class.

1. EDGE Cashius Howell

The finishing piece of the EDGE group wasn’t viewed as a larger priority compared to linebacker or nickelback by fans and analysts, but Cashius Howell is going to make his impact felt this year.

Howell is firmly in Cincinnati’s plan to deploy waves of pass rushers this season and beyond. He is not going to start, but as one of the top four EDGEs with an already respectable baseline for pass rushing proficiency, he’ll have no trouble seeing the field.

Pass rushers can make the biggest impact as individuals on defense. Howell will play at least a couple hundred snaps, giving him a great chance to make his presence known.

2. CB Tacario Davis

So far, so chalk. Howell was the the Bengals’ first pick in the draft, and Tacario “Bobo” Davis was the second. Davis’ position, and the depth it needed, is partly why he was drafted right behind Howell.

Cincinnati has consistently relied on its first cornerback off the bench in recent years. Starters DJ Turner II and Dax Hill have each incurred season-ending injuries since 2024. The top four players in the room always end up playing hundreds of snaps.

Davis will be seeing the field plenty as a rookie, and his readiness when called upon may determine how strong the defense is when he’s out there.

3. OL Brian Parker II

The odds of the Bengals’ offensive line being as healthy this year as it was in 2025 are low. It’s why finding quality depth all over the line was paramount in the draft.

Parker may’ve been the second of two o-linemen selected by Cincy, but unlike Connor Lew, he boasts total positional versatility and does not need to still fully recover from a torn ACL.

It would not be surprising to see Parker log a few starts ala Jalen Rivers last year at either guard spot, or even fill in at tackle in emergency situations. No Bengals fan needs a lesson in the importance of quality blocking. Parker bringing that to the table when he’s on the field will be crucial.