02-11-2016, 12:13 AM
(02-10-2016, 08:58 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: They (compensatory picks) play a huge role. I am not saying at all that the Bengals won't try to sign guys like Marvin Jones and Iloka and just aim for their compensatory picks, but it greatly softens the blow of losing players like Andre Smith and Reggie Nelson.
They have already drafted and even had a year or two of time to groom their replacements and with the availability of compensatory picks being trade-able, it makes them that much more important.
The Bengals haven't let the key talent they have drafted and developed walk unless they are greatly disappointed with them (Gresham). They tried to sign MJ, but they couldn't match the contract offered by Tampa...and thank God they didn't try to. They will likely try to sign Iloka and Marvin Jones, but if they look at other offers and get a ridiculous deal, they will be gone as well. Both could yield as high as a third round compensatory selection. As well as the Bengals have drafted over the past 5-6 years, these compensatory picks get them talented players that allow them to stay under the cap and develop for the future.
I don't think getting 4th round picks (3rd round comps are essentially 4th round picks since they come after the 3rd round) softens the blow of losing any player.
The blow of losing Andre - if you want to consider him a big loss, was softened by the drafting of 2 tackles in rounds 1 and 2 last year.
It remains to be seen what happens with the rest of the free agents. The only one we really haven't prepared for losing is Marvin Jones. We have drafted CB after CB and have added a couple safeties over the years. Losing Marvin would be a setback.
