Analysts Link Bengals’ No. 10 Pick to Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs
The focus reflects concern over a leaky defense heading into free agency.
Overview
- ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., in a new mock draft, projects Cincinnati to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 10th pick.
- Kiper highlights Downs’ instincts and production and notes the Bengals allowed an NFL-worst 6.2 yards per play in 2025.
- SB Nation’s latest mock also pairs Downs with Cincinnati, calling him one of the top defenders in the class despite safety’s lower draft value.
- The Sporting News’ Ben Baby urges the team to use its top-10 pick on defense for the first time since 2010 to secure a playmaker.
- Key needs include pass rush help with Trey Hendrickson heading to free agency, and the front office has not announced a draft plan.