NFL draft expert says exactly what Bengals fans should want to hear
· Yahoo Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals have been tabbed for a high-profile safety in free agency this offseason.
While that fits, Bengals fans have also very publicly loved the idea of going after Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, too.
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Good news on that front: ESPN’s Matt Miller sees the Bengals as a great fit:
“This is a draft in the top 10 heavy on defensive talent,” Miller said. “...I think Caleb Downs would be an interesting option here…Downs can do it all for this team. He can play split safety, come down into the box…Downs can be an eraser. He can align in so many different areas for you as a mismatch chess piece at the safety position.”
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Maybe the best part? Miller pointed out that so many quality safeties fall farther down than they should, alluding to names like Tyrann Mathieu and Kyle Hamilton in the process.
.@nfldraftscout sees Ohio State's star safety Caleb Downs as a potential difference maker for the Bengals' defense in this year’s draft 👀 pic.twitter.com/5dHJXp4sUc
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 17, 2026
The Bengals need any help they can get at safety. Jordan Battle has yet to pan out as an every-down starter. Geno Stone, the latest in a line of attempts to replace Jessie Bates, backfired massively.
For the Bengals to win right away, a veteran addition might be a must. But getting Downs, who boasts a massive career-long ceiling, would correct past mistakes and keep the contention window open as wide as possible.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: NFL draft expert says exactly what Bengals fans should want to hear