Some people are quick (and understandably so) to blame the Bengals for not closing out the trade for Shaun Rogers from the Lions and letting him go to the Browns. I'm of the philosophy that this might end up being a blessing in disguise, and here's why. The Bengals have lots of cap room and can still make an impact in free agency. It would require Mike Brown to open his wallet and be aggressive, something this organization has not done often in free agency. These are the three players the Bengals need to sign and then draft well in April.

THREE MOVES TO MAKE
Antwan Odom, DE - He's the biggest name left in free agency and at age 26, the former Titan is exactly the type of player the Bengals need. Young and talented, but he won't come cheap. Open the checkbook and sign the contract. Odom is scheduled to visit the Bengals on Sunday and Monday.

Clark Hagans, LB - This former Steeler is older at age 31. But he obviously knows how to play in a successful system. His experience and work ethic would be perfect, especially if the Bengals switch to a 3-4. Imagine how a guy (with a Super Bowl ring, yeah I know I hate even mentioning that) like this could impact Robert Geathers, Ahmad Brooks and Odell Thurman. Add Hagans to a hard working guy like Dhani Jones and you've got the makings of a very good defensive unit.

Ben Utecht, TE - Here's your pass-catching tight end. His stats don't show off what he can do, but Utecht was used in only a limited capacity with the Colts behind Dallas Clark. Utecht would come for relatively less money and could be exactly the right type of player for Carson Palmer to use. Peyton Manning said Utecht always ran good clean routes. That's all Carson needs.

If the Bengals can make these three moves, and draft smart (that's a big IF), then things can turn around pretty quickly in the Jungle.