The minute the Cincinnati Bengals were ruled out of postseason contention in the 2025 season, fans immediately started their wish list for who they want the franchise to draft this April.To this day, the most popular projection – from draft pundits as well – has been former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.Here’s why.
He fits one of the Bengals’ biggest needs and the team is picking high enough in the first round, they actually might have a chance to draft him.The Bengals secured the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft after going 6-11 in the 2025 season.
Most mock drafts to this point have Downs being selected in the top 10. If he’s available when the Bengals are on the clock, he’s likely to be the pick.For the next few weeks, The Enquirer will be taking a closer look at five prospects the Bengals are likely to target for their first-round pick in the April 24 when the draft begins.
Why Caleb Downs fits the Bengals
The Bengals have been stuck at the safety position for three years. Cincinnati hasn’t recovered from letting Jessie Bates walk to free agency in 2023.After three seasons of taking the band aid approach and failing in their pursuit at safety, they must solidify the position. Downs would immediately become one of the Bengals’ best players on defense before taking a snap in orange and black.After beginning his career at Alabama in 2023, Downs transferred to Ohio State and played two seasons in Columbus. He helped the Buckeyes win a national championship in 2024 and was a unanimous All-American, logging 82 tackles and two interceptions. In three years of collegiate football, Downs recorded 257 career tackles, six interceptions, 12 pass deflections and three forced fumbles.Downs is widely regarded as a “chess piece” on defense. Meaning, he can do a number of things at a high level. He’s a sound tackler and plays with physicality. Downs is a ball hawk and has a knack for taking the ball of the way.
The Bengals are in desperate need of all three of those things. Cincinnati’s safety duo of Jordan Battle and Geno Stone last year were among the worst tacklers in the NFL.
Combining for 40 missed tackles, the Bengals need better tackling at the safety position to improve next season. Pro Football Focus credited Stone with 23 missed tackles and Battle with 17.Cincinnati has finished each of the last two seasons in the bottom quarter of the NFL in points allowed. They need more playmakers, and Downs is that.
A key reason for Downs’ success is the mindset he brings to the game. He’s praised for his command of the secondary and his intelligence. Downs never missed a single game in his three-year college career.The Bengals’ secondary needs a leader who can take charge of the second level. Cornerbacks Dax Hill and DJ Turner have solidified their jobs for next season, but neither player is considered a vocal leader.Downs paired with Hill, Turner and safety Jordan Battle would give the Bengals a group who possesses talent and experience.
What they’re saying about Caleb Downs
“Downs projects as a Day One starter who could reasonably compete for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His floor is a reliable, versatile starter who makes the players around him better through his preparation and communication. His ceiling is perennial All-Pro caliber and a defensive centerpiece for the next decade.” – NFL Draft Buzz“Downs is an alpha who brings immense juice on each snap. He’s at his best when deployed near the line as a box safety or big nickel back.” – NFL.com
“I see a very dependable, reliable, steady, solid player who, when you talk to people around there, just talk about his some of his value doesn’t necessarily always show up unless what he’s doing in terms of communicating, leading the organizing, getting that whole group together.” – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NFL Draft | Why Caleb Downs makes sense for the Bengals to draft in first round
Reporting by Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
