Bengals could have interest in NFL draft riser after trade down

The Cincinnati Bengals are likely going to stick at No. 10 overall and get a defensive contributor.

Those Bengals obviously like Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles. Rueben Bain seems high on the big board, too.

But it’s always worth playing the what if? game with NFL draft scenarios. If the right offer comes along and the Bengals end up trading down, which prospects might interest them after a move back?

One name to know? Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. He’s one of the fastest late-risers in the draft process, to the point ESPN’s Jeff Legwold now has him breaking into the first round:

“Thieneman has an extensive résumé as a three-year starter (two at Purdue, one at Oregon), with 302 tackles and eight interceptions in his career. That's a significant sample size. But then he uncorked a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and a 41-inch vertical at the combine at 6-foot, 201 pounds. That makes folks circle back.”

That’s a production profile the Bengals will love. They want to start Bryan Cook next to Jordan Battle and improved depth with Kyle Dugger, yes. But they need a third safety and slot defender, with Thieneman possibly fitting the bill.

This is one of many scenarios the draft team in Cincinnati might be running through right now. Moving down from No. 10 and picking up an extra pick in the top 50 range while also landing a prospect like Thieneman isn’t totally unrealistic.

Downs is one of the top overall players and a favorite of Bengals fans. But this is one scenario and prospect name to keep in mind if chaos breaks loose during the draft’s opening round.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals could have interest in NFL draft riser after trade down