I feel big changes on the way.

[BengalChris]

(02-23-2018, 01:29 PM)fredtoast Wrote: I don't know about Mike having any more influence in the draft, and I don't see the draft as having much of an influence on free agency

But you are 100% correct about the contracts for Dunlap, Atkins, and Dennard.  The Bengals will not have as much cap flexibility as they did in 2011.

The draft only affects free agency in terms of what spots the team thinks it can fill in the draft and, thus, let go of more expensive vets, albeit often better veterans. But, when the team drafts poorly and lets go of better vets go in favor of young guys, then the outlook isn't very good.

We've yet to replace Marvin Jones in terms of quality. Free agent bargain bin signing of Lafell was ok, but none of the draft picks have steps up either, and that includes a 1st rounder and a 2nd rounder.