{"id":860123,"date":"2026-04-08T03:07:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T03:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/860123\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T03:07:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T03:07:19","slug":"should-the-cincinnati-bengals-draft-rueben-bain-jr-or-caleb-downs-in-the-2026-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/860123\/","title":{"rendered":"Should The Cincinnati Bengals Draft Rueben Bain Jr Or Caleb Downs In The 2026 NFL Draft?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

TWSN writer and editor currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and originally from Upstate New York. Covering the NFL, NFL Draft, NBA, MLB, and Combat Sports<\/p>\n

The Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> once again hold a pick inside the top 10 of the NFL Draft. The last time they did was in 2021, and it turned out pretty well for them as they ended up drafting Ja\u2019Marr Chase.<\/p>\n

With holding a top 10 pick, there are multiple directions they could go, with defense seeming the most likely direction after how poor their play was on that side of the ball last year.<\/p>\n

This has led to a frequent discussion amongst fans this offseason as to who could be the ideal defensive prospect for them. The debate is between Rueben Bain Jr<\/a> and Caleb Downs<\/a>, so let\u2019s take a look at who is the prospect Cincinnati must draft in the first round.<\/p>\n

TWSN Key Facts<\/p>\n

Team: Cincinnati Bengals
\nPlayers: Rueben Bain Jr, Caleb Downs
\nEvent: 2026 NFL Draft<\/p>\n

Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Roster Outlook<\/p>\n

The Bengals have a need at both the edge and safety positions. After seeing Trey Hendrickson depart in free agency, the Bengals need to reestablish their edge rusher depth. They still have Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy, and while both have shown flashes, they haven\u2019t provided the play for Cincinnati to be fully confident in either to take over as the top edge rusher on the team.<\/p>\n

They did end up signing Boye Mafe in free agency, which gives them a bit a an added boost off the edge, but they still need more reinforcements after they finished in the bottom 10 in pressures last season with just 127 pressures.<\/p>\n

On the backend, Jordan Battle is still around, and they just signed Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger<\/a>, so safety isn\u2019t as big of a need as it was entering the offseason. Still, drafting a true difference-maker there would help the Bengals diversify their defense and allow them to deploy more three-safety sets for the future.<\/p>\n

The Case for Rueben Bain Jr<\/p>\n

For a Bengals defense that needs more toughness and consistency in the front seven, Rueben Bain<\/a> would provide them with the exact boost they need in all areas. Instantly Bain is able to win with his power at the point of attack as he can drive offensive tackles backward and collapse the pocket with his bull rush.<\/p>\n

Bain does not just rely on physicality to win. He shows a polished pass-rush approach with violent hands, good timing, and the ability to string moves together. Whether it is a chop, rip, or swipe, Bain has the technique to disengage from blockers and create pressure consistently.<\/p>\n

Bain is also a very strong run defender, which is a major reason why he projects as such a complete edge prospect. He sets the edge well, holds his ground against bigger blockers, and does a great job of keeping outside contain.<\/p>\n

All of this led to him having 25 sacks and 156 pressures over his college career, something that would provide a major boost to the Bengals\u2019 edge room, and give them a player up front they can build around for the future.<\/p>\n

The Case for Caleb Downs<\/p>\n

Caleb Downs<\/a> has a very real argument as the best overall player in this draft.<\/p>\n

While safety may not be the Bengals\u2019 biggest need after adding Cook and Dugger, Downs is the kind of prospect who can transcend a defense. He is a true game-changer on the backend, someone who can cover ground, play downhill, force turnovers, and erase mistakes from the rest of the defense.<\/p>\n

A player like Downs can completely alter the identity of a unit. For Cincinnati, that matters. The Bengals\u2019 defense struggled with consistency, discipline, and limiting explosive plays last season. Downs would immediately help clean up many of those issues.<\/p>\n

Over his college career, he ended up with two sacks and nine pressures as a safety, showing how comfortable he is playing by the line as a blister. Downs also had seven pass breakups and six interceptions, showcasing his ability to consistently be in the vicinity of the ball. Also the versatility he brings would allow the Bengals to move him around and create more flexibility in coverage.<\/p>\n

Who Should Be the Pick?<\/p>\n

As great as Downs is, the Bengals\u2019 biggest need is on the edge, and that matters here. Cincinnati can get by at safety with the additions they already made, especially with Battle, Cook, and Dugger in the mix. At edge, however, there is far more uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Bain gives them a chance to fill one of the most important positions in football with a high-upside player who can grow into a foundational piece. The Bengals need more pass rush, more physicality up front, and more players who can disrupt the quarterback. Bain checks those boxes.<\/p>\n

Downs may end up being the safer overall player, but Bain is the better pick for where Cincinnati currently stands as a roster. If the Bengals want to fix their defense in a meaningful way and better position themselves to contend in the AFC, Rueben Bain Jr. is the prospect they must draft.<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions
\n
Who is Rueben Bain Jr.?<\/p>\n

Rueben Bain Jr. is a top 2026 NFL Draft edge rusher prospect known for his power, burst, and ability to pressure the quarterback.<\/p>\n

Who is Caleb Downs?<\/p>\n

Caleb Downs is one of the top safety prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and is viewed as a versatile defensive playmaker.<\/p>\n

What position do the Bengals need more in the 2026 NFL Draft?<\/p>\n

The Bengals appear to need edge rusher more than safety after Trey Hendrickson\u2019s departure in free agency.<\/p>\n

Why would the Bengals consider Caleb Downs?<\/p>\n

They would consider Downs because he could be the best defensive player available and has the talent to transform a secondary.<\/p>\n

Who should the Bengals draft: Rueben Bain Jr. or Caleb Downs?<\/p>\n

The Bengals should draft Rueben Bain Jr. because edge rusher is the more urgent need and carries greater positional value.<\/p>\n

More Cincinnati Bengals Content From TWSN:<\/p>\n

Can the Cincinnati Bengals Extend Both Dax Hill and DJ Turner?<\/a><\/p>\n

2026 Cincinnati Bengals 7-Round Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency<\/a><\/p>\n

Joe Burrow Reveals the Wide Receiver He Has Always Desired to Play With<\/a><\/p>\n

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