Another projection has the Cincinnati Bengals picking up multiple compensatory picks next offseason.
Now that the dust has settled on the 2023 NFL draft, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projects two comp picks for the Bengals:
Comp-pick analysis: For the first time since 2019, the Bengals should be receiving compensatory picks. Bates’ departure and Brown’s arrival should cancel each other out in the formula, but Cincinnati should receive a fifth- and sixth-rounder for its other losses.
Duke Tobin and the Bengals took a big departure from leaning into this comp pick process in recent years while spending big in free agency to remake the roster for the Zac Taylor era. This isn’t a reversal of priorities by any means, but more of a natural shift as the focus turns to extending that core instead of bringing in new players. Adding a few extra draft picks atop signing a name like Brown for the offensive line is a best-of-both-worlds approach.
Keep in mind the Bengals could get active in free agency again soon now that the comp pick process isn’t impacted by signings.
