Bengals Trade for Lawrence, Pass on Downs

0:00On April 24, Bingles fans gathered at Paycore Stadium for Draft Night, but instead of cheering a new safety, they got Dexter Lawrence, the three. 140-pound defensive tackle traded in for the number 10 pick. The team passed on Ohio State's star Caleb Downs, who slipped right to the Dallas Cowboys after they traded up one spot with Miami. It's a bold win now move, betting big on Loris to clog the line and chase quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes. Here this week, the buzz was all about Downs fitting perfectly as a leader and playmaker for Cincinnati Secondary, keeping that Ohio talent in state. But the front office saw the bigger picture, needing immediate disruption of front over long-term safety depth, especially with the chiefs looming in. December, fans felt that initial sting, dreaming of Downs shutting down passes locally, but reactions are shifting to relief. In the AFC North, the Browns, Ravens, and Steelers all grabbed offensive linemen first round, plus new coaches and coordinators everywhere.

1:01That chaos gives Bingles' vets and fresh pass rush a real shot at early dominance. Meanwhile, Tennessee cornered Jamad McCoy's knee, flagged him out of top picks after his torn ACL last year, despite that blazing 4.38, 40 at pro day. Balls might eye him later if the risk fits their push, but they're staying cautious. With trades flying at the draft's end, expect Cincinnati to wheel and deal at number 41, stocking up picks in this D-class. They're primed to build around Joe Burrow and turn pressure into playoffs. Watch how it unfolds. Good ball news, powered by AI. This is NFL News Today.