The Cincinnati Bengals' defense has been a defining issue for a few seasons now.
When they made their deep playoff runs in 2021 and 2022, of course, Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins were a major reason why. But they were also supported by a top-of-the-line defense that made crucial stops en route to a Super Bowl and AFC Championship game.
Cincinnati needs to bring that formula back if they want any hope of capturing the franchise's first Super Bowl, and it starts with the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mock draft has Bengals selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs No. 10 overall
In The Athletic's latest mock draft, Dane Brugler has the Bengals selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 10th overall pick.
"Downs is one of the best players in this draft class, but a lot of teams — possibly including the Bengals — wouldn’t feel great drafting a safety in the top 10," wrote Brugler.
"That said, the Ohio State All-American would give Cincinnati a monumental talent upgrade on the back end and instantly help its defense develop a more disciplined culture. Don’t overthink this one, Bengals."
Downs is widely considered one of the best players in the 2026 draft class, but as Brugler pointed out, positional value is a major factor here.
But when was the Bengals defense at its best? When safety Jessie Bates loomed over the backend. Once he departed, things began to go downhill for Cincinnati.
Selecting Downs would right the wrongs of the team's past mistakes and put them in the right direction to fix the defense.
More Bengals news:
- Bengals likely to be without defensive end Trey Hendrickson for fifth straight game
- Ja'Marr Chase opens up on facing former Bengals teammate Chidobe Awuzie
- Joe Burrow brushes off re-injury concerns: 'I’m not going to live my life scared'
- Is the Bengals' season over with or without Joe Burrow under center?
- Bengals predicted to replace Trey Hendrickson with young pass rusher in 2026
- NFL insider reveals Ja'Marr Chase has 'one good argument' to appeal one-game suspension