The [Cincinnati Bengals](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cincinnati-bengals) have two safeties headed for free agency this offseason in Geno Stone and Tycen Anderson.
As a result, they'll need to refill the position. Perhaps they could do that in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Ohio State cornerback Caleb Downs named dream draft target for Bengals
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Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was recently [named the dream draft target](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25399735-identifying-every-nfl-teams-dream-draft-target-2026) for the Cincinnati Bengals by Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report.
Downs had a highly-decorated collegiate career. He's a three-time All-American and a two-time Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. He won the Lott Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award in 2025 and he was also named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
As a junior in '25, Downs tallied 68 combined tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defended, 2 interceptions and a sack.
From Davenport:
> _"Safety isn't generally considered a premium position. It's not Cincinnati's biggest need on that side of the ball, especially if edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson leaves as expected. ... But a miserable Bengals defense needs impact players wherever they can get them.... And make no mistake: Downs is an impact player._
_This story will be updated._
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