Downs.
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Caleb Downs is one of the top players entering the 2026 draft.
Now that the NFL Combine is over, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to make some impressive moves in this year’s draft.
Free agency is nearing and the Bengals have already made an impressive move. The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed guard Dalton Risner to a one-year deal worth $5 million.
Now that teams have had the chance to take a look at some top NFL prospects, according to Bengals Wire, Caleb Downs is heavily on Cincy’s radar.
Caleb Downs Predicted as First Round Pick
One could argue Caleb Downs is the best safety in this draft due to his versatility. The Ohio State standout could possibly be a game-changer in Cincy.
“Downs reads plays so well and has the speed and wrap-up technique to wrangle and take down ball carriers,” Mel Kiper Jr. wrote in an ESPN article. “And don’t sleep on his ball skills: Downs had two interceptions in each of his three college seasons. He’s exactly the type of player the Bengals need on the back end.”
Downs did not participate in the NFL combine, confidently relying on his 3-year game tape.
“He could change the Bengals’ defense, but the medical boxes have to get checked first. Cincinnati will surely put him through all the right tests there when they likely bring him for an official pre-draft visit across the next month-plus.” Russell Heltman wrote in a Sports Illustrated article.
Another defensive back the Bengals could take with 41st overall pick is cornerback D’Angelo Ponds out of Indiana. He showed impressive explosiveness during the NFL combine with 43.5-inch vertical jump.
“Ponds is certainly not the ideal size (5’9″, 182 pounds) but he is extremely physical and not afraid to go up against opposing wide receivers. We saw that on full display in the College Football Playoffs, including the Peach Bown semifinal against Oregon and his tone-setting pick-six on the first play from scrimmage.” Billy Riccette wrote in the Bengals Wire article.
Though the Cincinnati Bengals have had impressive numbers offensively over the years, the main problem has been on the defensive side of ball. Drafting Versatile players such as Caleb Downs and D’Angelo Ponds could work wonders for Cincy’s defense.
Bengals Could Draft Protection for Joe Burrow
In addition to signing Dalton Risner to a one-year deal, the Cincinnati Bengals are projected to add more offensive linemen.
“Risner started nine of his 14 appearances at right guard last season, including the final seven games of the season. He ranked 36th in pass block win rate as a guard at 92.6%, which is the highest mark of any Bengals player since Zac Taylor became head coach before the 2019 season.” Ben Baby wrote in the ESPN article.
In the mock, the Bengals take Sam Hecht out of Kansas State.
“Hecht is one of the better centers in this class. He had zero accepted penalties in 2025 and was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. Joe Burrow would like the sound of that type of production protecting him.” Riccette wrote.
The main focus for Cincy this year is the defensive side of the ball. Additionally, the Bengals will want to make sure their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow is protected.