James Walker recently posted a piece previewing compensatory picks. Basically, the league awards teams with additional draft picks from the third to last rounds based on losing production on the year based on several factors, which include (but not limited to) performance and money signed with new team. Walker writes that the two players that the Bengals could see compensatory picks for is T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Most likely Houshmandzadeh will give the Bengals an additional third round pick. Fitzpatrick? I won't hold my breath.
However, there's a glaring omission in Walker's assessment. Stacy Andrews. The former right offensive tackle left Cincinnati during free agency signing with the Philadelphia Eagles to a six-year, $41 million contract. Granted, Andrews played in 10 games, starting two. However, based on the contract and the fact Cincinnati lost their starting right tackle, the league could easily give the Bengals a compensatory pick as high as the third round.
Sounds good, doesn't it? Five draft picks in the first three rounds. Sounds beautiful, like frogs mating.