As expected, the Cincinnati Bengals don’t figure to have any compensatory draft picks in the 2020 NFL draft.
We wrote during free agency the Bengals backed off their usual compensatory pick approach to start the Zac Taylor era.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has now somewhat confirmed this by projecting 2020 comp picks and listing the Bengals as a team not expected to receive any. He explained the process:
Teams are awarded compensatory draft picks between Rounds 3 and 7 based upon a formula, which is not released by the league, that takes into account a player’s average salary per year (APY), snap count and postseason awards. While there is an expected level of compensation for a player based on the amount he has signed for, his playing time (or lack thereof) in the upcoming season could alter the expectation.
The Bengals didn’t make flashy moves by any means. But they added guard John Miller, who could start next year. Kerry Wynn, a defensive lineman, could boost the rotational pass rush if he makes the roster.
Then there is B.W. Webb, another understudy of new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with the New York Giants. He came over as Darqueze Dennard insurance before the Bengals re-upped with their veteran slot man. Dennard is the starter, but the willingness to go out and get Webb for the same role says a lot.
Typically, the Bengals shy away from outside guys and cash in on compensatory picks. But the return has been bad lately, so a slight shift in approach seems to mean no extra picks next year.
