As the Cincinnati Bengals head into what could be a defining offseason for their Super Bowl ambitions, all eyes are on how they’ll use the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. One name that's been buzzing among fans and analysts alike? Ohio State safety Caleb Downs - a player widely viewed as one of the safest bets in a draft class that’s lacking in elite, can’t-miss talent.
Downs checks just about every box: high football IQ, physicality, range, and a proven ability to impact games from Day 1. And when you look at the Bengals’ struggles at the safety position over the past season, it feels like a natural fit. If Downs is still on the board when Cincinnati is on the clock, it’s the kind of pick that seems to make itself.
But what if the Bengals go in a different direction - not just passing on a plug-and-play starter like Downs, but opting for a more uncertain, long-term project?
That’s the scenario laid out in Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft, where he has Cincinnati selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy at No. 10 - a talented prospect, no doubt, but one who hasn’t played a snap since 2024 due to a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
Now, McCoy is getting legitimate buzz as a potential top corner in this class, and Jeremiah notes he's “squarely in the mix to be the top CB in the draft.” But that doesn’t erase the red flags. He’ll be nearly two years removed from live action by the time he suits up in the NFL, and that’s a tough ask for any rookie - let alone one expected to justify a top-10 pick.
And let’s be honest: the Bengals haven’t exactly struck gold in recent years when it comes to first-rounders making an immediate impact. So if McCoy ends up riding the bench or playing limited snaps in 2026, it wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory for Cincinnati. But that doesn’t make it the right move - especially with a player like Downs still available.
In Jeremiah’s mock, Downs goes one pick later to the Miami Dolphins at No. 11. That’s the kind of outcome that could haunt a front office.
Still, there’s a reason McCoy might appeal to Duke Tobin and the Bengals’ brass. He fits the mold of players they’ve targeted before - high-upside, first-round-caliber corners with elite traits.
Tobin has shown a willingness to bet on traits and potential, even when there’s some risk involved. And McCoy’s 2024 tape was impressive enough that, had he stayed healthy in 2025, he might’ve been a top-five pick.
But here’s where the fit gets murky. Cornerback isn’t a pressing need for Cincinnati right now.
DJ Turner had a breakout year, playing at a Pro Bowl level, and Dax Hill showed promise on the outside after struggling in the slot. With those two locked in as starters, McCoy would likely be buried on the depth chart - at least for 2026 - unless injuries strike.
That raises a bigger question: Is this pick about improving the defense, or is it about planning ahead for the 2027 offseason, when both Hill and Turner could be due for big-money extensions? Drafting McCoy might be more about future roster flexibility than immediate impact - essentially choosing to replace one of their current corners with a cheaper, high-upside option down the line.
But if that’s the strategy, it’s a gamble. You’re passing on a player like Downs, who could elevate the defense right away, for someone who might not see meaningful snaps for a full season. And while McCoy could eventually develop into a top-tier corner, he’s not likely to move the needle in 2026 the way Downs could.
Bottom line: the Bengals are in a win-now window, and every draft pick - especially in the top 10 - needs to count. Passing on a sure thing like Downs for a high-risk, high-reward prospect like McCoy would be a bold move. Whether it’s the right one remains to be seen, but it’s the kind of decision that could define this offseason - and shape the Bengals’ trajectory for years to come.