CINCINNATI — Joe Burrow has the arm, but Lou Anarumo’s defense is leaking oil. With the 2026 NFL Draft just three weeks away, the Cincinnati Bengals face a crossroads at No. 10. After a 2025 campaign where the secondary surrendered a 65.2% completion rate, the front office can’t afford another miss on a defensive blue-chipper.
The Bengals already made waves this offseason by bringing hometown hero Bryan Cook back to Ohio. Cook, the former Chiefs standout, signed a massive deal to lead a safety room that has struggled since Jessie Bates III departed in 2023. But one man doesn’t fix a broken unit. Geno Stone is gone after a rough single-season stint, and the experiment moving Daxton Hill to corner leaves a massive void in the deep third.
The Case for Caleb Downs
Most draft experts, including Daniel Jeremiah and Todd McShay, have their sights set on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Downs isn’t just a safety; he’s a heat-seeking missile with elite processing speed. During his final year with the Buckeyes, Downs functioned as the “alpha” of the defense, rarely finding himself out of position. He finished 2025 with a 90.2 PFF coverage grade and proved he can eliminate tight ends in man coverage. For a Bengals team that struggled to stop the explosive passing attacks of the AFC North, Downs represents the most “pro-ready” solution on the board.
Mansoor Delane: The Bayou Shutdown
If Cincinnati pivots to the perimeter, LSU’s Mansoor Delane is the name to watch. Delane, who transferred to the SEC and immediately dominated, allowed a measly 31.3 passer rating when targeted last season. He’s a physical, press-man specialist who fits perfectly opposite DJ Turner. While Turner showed flashes last year by holding receivers to a 47.9% completion rate, the “other side” of the field was a layup line for opposing quarterbacks. Delane provides the size and length (6-foot, 193 pounds) that the Bengals have lacked since the days of peak William Jackson III.
The Rueben Bain Jr. Wildcard
Some analysts suggest the Bengals might get aggressive. Nicholas Rome of Saturday Blitz floated a scenario where Cincinnati trades up to the No. 5 spot with the New York Giants to snag Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. It’s a steep price—likely requiring their 2026 first and second-rounders—but Bain is a different breed. He racked up 20.5 career sacks in Coral Gables and led the nation in pressures. With Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart still finding their footing, Bain offers the immediate pass-rush production this team has lacked since Trey Hendrickson’s prime.
“We need guys who can win one-on-ones. Period. Whether that’s at the line of scrimmage or 40 yards downfield, we’re looking for players with that ‘dog’ mentality who don’t blink when the lights are brightest.”
— Lou Anarumo, Bengals Defensive Coordinator
What’s Next
Expect the Bengals to host several top defensive prospects for visits over the next ten days. While Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is a tempting offensive weapon, the pressure on director of player personnel Duke Tobin to fix the defense is immense. If the board falls as expected, Cincinnati will have their choice of the best safety in a decade or a lockdown corner from the LSU factory. Choosing right might be the difference between a deep playoff run and another year of “what ifs” in the Jungle.
