Bengals signing Miami (OH) safety Michael Dowell as UDFA

The Cincinnati Bengals are doing their due diligence after the draft by bringing in other talents for their undrafted free agent class.

Lou Anarumo ain’t done.

After the team used four of its ten picks on the defensive side of the ball, two of which were secondary players, the Cincinnati Bengals are grabbing another local talent to fortify the back end of the defense’s depth.

Per the Miami Ohio Football Twitter account, the Bengals are signing safety Michael Dowell. The fifth-year senior spent his first three years with Michigan State before transferring to the Red Hawks in 2022.

As a redshirt senior last year, Dowell had 60 total tackles (3.5 for loss), two interceptions, and five passes defended in 2023. The year prior with Miami, Dowell had a whopping 97 tackles (five for loss), six passes defended, and a forced fumble.

At 6-foot-1 and 221 pounds, Dowell is known as more of an “in the box” safety and a thumper. His tape shows a number of big hits, and he is known to be a sound tackler.

At his March 21st Pro Day, Dowell put up respectable numbers in some areas, including a 4.54 40-yard dash, 24 bench press reps, and over a 10’ broad jump. Dowell was not an NFL Combine invitee.

In case you haven’t heard, the Bengals are in full revamp mode in their safety group. While there is talent, Anarumo is attempting to find the right formula of players for different packages and schemes.