06-07-2017, 11:41 AM
(06-07-2017, 10:55 AM)ochocincos Wrote: 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.
This year's Comp Picks are:
4th round - Ryan Glasgow - DT
5th round - JJ Dielman - Center
6th round - Brandon Wilson - Cornerback
7th round - Mason Schreck - tight end
The ability to use Comp Picks now in Trades could add to their effective value if the Bengals started Trading Up to target Key players.
* 2017 will be a good Test to see how well they Transition losing Zeitler and Whit with the bringing back of Andre Smith coupled with the development of Cedric Ogbuehi & Jake Fisher.
** If the O-line can somehow Transition well then the Zeitler and Whit related Comp picks are a Bonus.
The Bengals have retained a lot of talented players while also having a steady yearly departure of solid players.
The Roster Peaked in 2015 and I see it heading back Up towards a new Peak especially after say a decent 2018 Draft.
In the meantime, they have to weather the Zeitler/Whitworth departures with the Plan they have in place for it.
Hopefully they can Dial it in for a new Roster Peak that occurs fairly soon.
