Should the Bengals Pass on Caleb Downs at No. 10? Exploring the Value of Safety Picks in the Draft
The Bengals are facing a crucial decision at the 10th pick: should they draft Caleb Downs, a highly-rated safety, or pass on him for a later-round pick?
Many Bengals mock drafts have Caleb Downs going to Cincinnati at pick 10. And while he's undoubtedly a top talent, there's a compelling argument for why a team might choose to pass on him in the first round.
Historically, safety hasn't been a position teams have been willing to spend a top-10 draft pick on. The last safety to be drafted in the top 10 was Jamal Adams in 2017. Teams have typically prioritized premium positions like quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, defensive line, and cornerback when selecting in the top 10.
This draft class, however, presents an interesting scenario. Safety is one of the deeper position groups, and the value you can get in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round may make it easier to pass on taking a talented player like Caleb Downs in the first round.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, for instance, is a talented safety prospect who may be available in the second round. Standing at 6'2" and 202 pounds, he's rangy in coverage, physical in run support, and has 9 career forced fumbles. Another prospect, Dillon Thieneman, transferred to Oregon from Purdue in 2025. He had a 91.1 coverage grade, has played over 2,400 career snaps, and is known as a film junkie, similar to Caleb Downs. At pick 41, Thieneman would likely be considered a better value than Caleb Downs at pick 10.
Zakee Wheatley, though not as publicized as some of the other top safeties, has played on par with anyone at the position in this class. Standing at 6'3" and 200 pounds, he has ideal size and length. He has never recorded a penalty, anticipates routes well, and had an 82.7 run defense grade this year. AJ Haulcy, another talented safety, played his final season in the SEC at LSU. He has 10 career interceptions, shows excellent football IQ, and had an 88.8 coverage grade in 2025.
There are several other safeties in this class who could compete for a starting job immediately alongside Jordan Battle. Kamari Ramsey, Genesis Smith, Jalon Kilgore, Bud Clark, Jakobe Thomas, Michael Taaffe, Bishop Fitzgerald, and Jalen Huskey are all players who could upgrade the Bengals at safety.
Given the depth of the safety position, do you think the Bengals would be wise to pass on Caleb Downs if he is still on the board at pick 10 this year? This is a question that could spark differing opinions. While Caleb Downs is undoubtedly a top talent, the value of later-round picks in this draft class may make it a tempting strategy for the Bengals. But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
