NFL teams think Bengals are the floor at No. 10 for Caleb Downs

The Cincinnati Bengals might have a hard time reeling in a dream draft target like Caleb Downs next week.

As the NFL draft inches closer, more and more reporting suggests the Bengals are the absolute floor for how far the Ohio State safety could fall on the board.

NFL insider Todd McShay recently suggested Downs as early as five, while suggesting other teams think the Bengals are the floor.

“Teams are higher on Downs by the way,” McShay said. “Don’t get it twisted by the media… They’re not saying he’s going five to the Giants, but you absolutely do need to consider him at five. Multiple teams don’t think he gets past Cincinnati at 10.”

ESPN’s Peter Schrager also said that one NFL general manager suggested to “throw positional value out this year” when it comes to Downs, also hinting at a possible top-five billing for him.

This is partially why it has felt like Downs might be the outright highest-graded player on the Bengals’ board this year. They might not be the only team that feels like he’s the best outright player in the class.

The Bengals could deploy Downs in a number of ways, including as a slot corner, despite the signing of Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger in free agency.

But as we get closer, it’s becoming more obvious the Bengals need to worry about someone like the Cowboys trading up and jumping them for Downs, too.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: NFL teams think Bengals are the floor at No. 10 for Caleb Downs