Bengals satisfy one of their biggest needs in 2-round mock draft with a player most fans should already know

Downs was the first safety to come off the board in the mock draft, and the Bengals should be ecstatic to draft the top player at that position. Starters Geno Stone and Jordan Battle have had their moments through seven weeks this year, but the former's contract expires after this year and the latter needs to continue proving himself to stick around as well.

"Love this value. Downs is a game changer and ultra talented. Cincy needs more talent at every level of their defense, and grabbing Downs absolutely accomplishes that. Couldn’t pass up on the chance here." – A to Z Sports' Adam Holt on selecting Downs for Bengals

Downs has not only been one of the best college players for the past few years, he's going to leave the college level well known by many Bengals fans simply because of where he played. The OSU-Bengals fandom is one shared by many in and around Cincinnati. He'd have a fast track to being a fan favorite as a rookie, and by filling one of the roster's biggest needs, he'd only boost his case.

There's still plenty of time for the Bengals to play themselves out of the range to even pick Downs when the draft rolls around in April of next year. For now, it's an ideal pairing for the club and fanbase alike.