The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up another lost season on Sunday, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
It's not like they don't have the offensive talent to be a good football team, but defensive ineptitude and injuries cost them heavily this season.
When the Bengals made their back-to-back AFC Championship game appearances and lone Super Bowl appearance of the 2020's, the defense was a big factor in both seasons. It's time for Cincinnati to get back to its defensive ways and add a blue-chip talent in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bengals predicted to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in mock draft
In the latest mock draft from CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner, the Bengals were projected to land Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 10 overall pick.
"Downs is the reliable secondary player the Bengals desperately need. He's not only assignment-sure in coverage but also rarely misses tackles," wrote Renner.
Since the Bengals let safety Jessie Bates walk in free agency, their defense hasn't been the same. In this mock draft, they rectify that mistake by picking up an elite playmaker in the secondary.
Downs wouldn't transform Cincy's defense overnight, but he would be a great first step in the right direction for a team in desperate need of a facelift on that side of the ball.
The Buckeye standout is considered one of the top players in the draft, but due to his position, he may fall right into the lap of a team like the Bengals.
More Bengals news:
- Mock draft predicts Bengals select Trey Hendrickson's successor in first round
- ESPN analyst believes Bengals could have most attractive HC opening across NFL
- Bengals urged to re-sign veteran contributor on a one-year, prove-it deal
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow clarifies 'fun' comments after demoralizing loss
- Adam Schefter says teams are 'taking notice' of Joe Burrow's recent comments