Bengals Eyeing Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs in NFL Draft

Defensive coordinator Al Golden sees Downs as a perfect schematic fit for Cincinnati's secondary.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly eyeing former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. According to NFL analyst Matt Bowen, Downs would be an ideal fit in Cincinnati's defense under coordinator Al Golden, with the ability to play multiple roles in the secondary.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense struggled at times last season, and upgrading the safety position has been a priority this offseason. Signing Bryan Cook in free agency was a start, but adding a versatile playmaker like Downs could solidify the back end of the defense and help Cincinnati return to the playoffs.

The details

Bowen believes Downs could be a top-10 pick, but sees the Bengals as the "best fit" for the former Buckeye. Golden would be able to utilize Downs' range, coverage skills, and physicality, playing him as an interchangeable safety who can rotate deep or line up as a big nickelback. Downs would join a revamped safety room that also includes Cook, Kyle Dugger, and Jordan Battle.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23.
  • The Bengals signed safety Bryan Cook in free agency earlier this offseason.

The players

Caleb Downs

A top safety prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, formerly of Ohio State University.

Al Golden

The defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bryan Cook

A safety signed by the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, previously with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kyle Dugger

A safety signed by the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, previously with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jordan Battle

A safety for the Cincinnati Bengals who had a strong finish to the 2025 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think Downs could go higher in the top 10, but this was the best fit in my eyes after the Bengals signed safety Bryan Cook in free agency. Under coordinator Al Golden, Downs would be an interchangeable safety. He could rotate low in the single-high zone while playing over the top from depth. Plus, with Downs' ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage, Golden can play him as a big nickelback in three-safety personnel. He has the urgent play demeanor to set the identity of Cincinnati's defense.”

— Matt Bowen, NFL Analyst

“I'm not going to say that anybody was the cause of our defensive fall this year. The group has to play better as a whole.”

— Duke Tobin, Director of Player Personnel, Cincinnati Bengals

“You want instinctive guys who see the big picture. They have to have speed to cover. If they can cover in man, that really opens up a lot of opportunities for you. They have to be willing to tackle in the box... Defense is reacting to what the offense does. They've gotta see it, react to it, and play fast.”

— Duke Tobin, Director of Player Personnel, Cincinnati Bengals

What’s next

The Bengals will have the opportunity to select Caleb Downs with one of their early picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set for April 23.

The takeaway

By targeting Caleb Downs, the Bengals have a chance to significantly upgrade their secondary and solidify the back end of their defense. Downs' versatility and schematic fit make him an ideal target as Cincinnati looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.