The Bengals still have a need at safety even though their starters are entrenched. There are plenty of options at each level of the draft for them to boost their depth.
’ signing of Bryan Cook solidified the safety position as far as the starting lineup goes, there still exists a need for depth.The safety position is one the Bengals could target at any point during the draft, including in the first round with the No.
10 pick.Over the next few days, we’ll take a look at each defense position and list a possible target for each round of the draft .Barring a trade back, Downs is the only realistic option at 10. The last safety drafted in the top 10 was Jamal Adams in 2017. Before that, you have to go back to Mark Barron in 2012. There have been reports about Downs having a knee issue, though the safety said there was nothing to them during his pro day on Wednesday. Still, Downs didn’t take part in testing at the NFL Scouting Combine or at the pro day, although he did go through position drills Wednesday. Downs is a versatile player who can fill the need at nickel corner as a rookie and serve as a safety of the future if the team isn’t able to sign Jordan Battle, who will be a free agent after the season. If the Bengals trade down into the middle of the first round, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman could be a target with his versatility, which excludes plenty of reps lining up over the slot receiver.He’s the type of safety who is physical enough to play in the box and swift enough to patrol centerfield, with a nickname of “Mr. Give Me That.” Haulcy had 11 interceptions and four forced fumbles during his college career, which spanned stops at New Mexico, Houston and LSU. While he’s a strong tackler in the box, Haulcy does struggle some in the open field, as that’s where the majority of his eight missed tackles came from last year.Nov 1, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Jalon Kilgore intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Winston Watkins during the second quarter at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesDemetrius Knight Jr.’s former teammate played two seasons for the Gamecocks and was a captain in 2025 as a junior. He spent a lot of time covering slot receivers at South Carolina, which is something the Bengals will be looking for when targeting a safety.while also posting elite numbers in the vertical and broad jumps.He’s cut somewhat from the Geno Stone template with excellent ballhawking skills but struggles getting guys on the ground.But it’s the reason he’ll be a midround target because he has elite instincts and athleticism, posting a 42.5-inch vertical . The Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week could provide the Cincinnati secondary with some depth, and his special teams experience all the way through his 2025 season could help him earn a roster spot.Moore played two seasons at Indiana before transferring to Ole Miss when Curt Cignetti arrived. After one year with the Rebels, he returned to Bloomington and started all 15 games on the Hoosiers’ run to the national title. Primarily a free safety, Moore recorded six interceptions in 2025, which were tied for the most among Power 4 schools.Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendationsJay Morrison covers the Cincinnati Bengals for Bengals On SI. He has been writing about the NFL for nearly three decades. Combining a passion for stats and storytelling, Jay takes readers beyond the field for a unique look at the game and the people who play it. Prior to joining Bengals on SI, Jay covered the Cincinnati Bengals beat for The Athletic, the Dayton Daily News and Pro Football Network.
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