2018 Compensatory Picks

[*ochocincos*]

(06-07-2017, 10:40 AM)Beaker Wrote: I think you're analogy is a bit off. The Bengals don't let those players walk so they can get a comp pick, they are not signing FAs to replace those players and in doing so are getting extra draft picks. So for example, letting Zeitler walk because the browns made him the highest paid G in the NFL, not because they wanted an extra mid round pick. And the players they are letting walk, usually already have planned replacements waiting in the wings. The Bengals knew they were losing Andre Smith and Whit, and used two 1st round picks to try and plan for that....they didn't try to replace them with mid round picks. But by planning to replace them by drafting their replacements rather than signing some FA tackles got them some extra draft picks for the future, plus keeps their salary cap manageable. FA signings can be just as big a crap shoot as draft picks, and theyre way more expensive.

I understand all that, no need to try to explain. But it's definitely true that the Bengals intentionally avoid signing FAs and instead more often target cut players during the initial FA period because it could affect comp picks.
And yes, when the Bengals have a top player like Whitworth, Zeitler, or even Nelson leave in FA and don't have someone in that the fans believe is at or near the same level of player, fans are skeptical. The fans don't want to see a decline at a position, especially if it means a regression in terms of W-L record.

I guess the point I was more trying to get at (which apparently I did a poor job since it seems so many people are disagreeing with me) is that the Bengals should be more active in FA by retaining their own good-to-great players or replacing them with proven veterans without worrying about what comp picks. Because at least for the past five years, none of the comp picks drafted have become starters or even big contributors on offense or defense.