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The return of Joe Burrow could provide a spark for the Cincinnati Bengals during the back half of the season. As things stand right now, the Bengals would currently be picking at ninth overall. They should have an opportunity to draft some difference makers early in the draft if they end up drafting inside the top ten. With that in mind, let\u2019s take a look at how the first few rounds could play out in that scenario.<\/p>\n
Downs has been an All-American safety since his first season in college. That year was spent at Alabama playing for Nick Saban. Once Saban retired, Downs decided to transfer to Ohio State. All he did in his first season with the Buckeyes was help win a national championship.<\/p>\n
He is the type of tone-setting leader, both on and off the field, that the Cincinnati Bengals appear to be lacking on the defensive side of the ball. Downs is not likely to test well, if he tests at all. He makes up for that with his high-level football intelligence. He is known as a film grinder. He is constantly in the right place, at the right time because of it. The Bengals have four players on the defense who are near the top of the entire NFL in missed tackles. Downs is someone who rarely ever misses a tackle in the open field. He is versatile enough to play in the box, at high safety, or in the slot. Whoever is coaching the Bengals\u2019 defense next year could use a leader on the field like him.<\/p>\n
\nCaleb Downs vs. Wisconsin pic.twitter.com\/OVcIncnEHn<\/a><\/p>\n
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) November 11, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n