Caleb Downs' Brother Thinks Bengals Would Be Great Fit

Downs would instantly change the Bengals' defense, says his brother Josh Downs.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 1:07pm

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If Caleb Downs is available when the Cincinnati Bengals pick at No. 10 in the upcoming NFL Draft, his brother Josh Downs, a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, believes the Bengals would be a great fit for the Ohio State safety. Josh Downs cited the Bengals' need at the position and the fact that two of his friends, DJ Turner and Barrett Carter, already play in the Bengals' secondary and linebacker corps.

Why it matters

The Bengals rarely seem to have impact players who also happen to be former Ohio State Buckeyes, so drafting Caleb Downs would bring some added excitement. Additionally, hearing a non-Bengals player say they would be a great fit for a player as talented as Downs is a sign of respect for the Bengals organization.

The details

Caleb Downs is a two-time All-American safety who won the Jim Thorpe Award. The Bengals' secondary is considered one of the weaker positions on their roster, so Downs would instantly upgrade that unit. If the Bengals do draft Downs, he could end up going up against his brother Josh, who plays for the Indianapolis Colts, when the two teams meet next season.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29, 2023.

The players

Caleb Downs

An Ohio State safety who won the Jim Thorpe Award and was a two-time All-American.

Josh Downs

The brother of Caleb Downs and a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.

DJ Turner

A defensive back who plays in the Bengals' secondary.

Barrett Carter

A linebacker who plays for the Bengals and went to high school with Josh Downs.

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What they’re saying

“The Bengals or Giants would be pretty cool. The Bengals...one of my dogs, DJ Turner, played in the secondary, and their linebacker Barrett Carter, I went to high school with both of those dudes. They're gonna build something over there.”

— Josh Downs, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts

What’s next

The Bengals will have the opportunity to select Caleb Downs with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on April 27, 2023.

The takeaway

The Bengals have a chance to add a game-changing safety in Caleb Downs, who would instantly upgrade their secondary. Drafting Downs, an Ohio State product, would also bring some added excitement to the Bengals' fanbase, as the team rarely seems to have impact players from the Buckeyes program.