Cincinnati Bengals' Pick of Andy Dalton Saved Franchise

If the Bengals had listened to Mike Brown during the draft, the Bengals wouldn't have their quarterback of the present or future and they wouldn't have a stash of early-round draft picks that will inevitably make them the best team in the AFC North.

Andy Dalton has established himself as a franchise quarterback already in Cincinnati. He's 4-2 in his young career and despite all of the question marks and adversity heading into the season, Dalton has managed to dominate.

At the forefront of that adversity was Carson Palmer's "trade me or I'll retire" ultimatum. With the success Dalton has exuded, the Bengals were able to comfortably deal Carson Palmer for a first-round pick and a conditional pick that can become a first-rounder.

Pro Football Talk reports that Brown initially wanted to draft Ryan Mallett, who is currently backing up Tom Brady in New England. Jay Gruden talked Brown into Dalton in a move that essentially saved the franchise.

While we haven't seen Mallett in action, Dalton has exceeded all expectations and is a Rookie of the Year candidate. The Bengals hit a home run, and while it's unfair to say Mallett leading the Bengals would have driven their franchise into the ground, it's impossible to say that he was the better man for the job.

Dalton has the Bengals in the playoff picture, a place nobody thought they would be coming into the season. Bringing in the Red Rifle gave the Bengals an opportunity to land their quarterback of the future and stockpiling drafts for the future.

While it's hard to believe now, Palmer pouting in Cincinnati turned out to be the best case scenario for the Bengals. They've now got a stud at quarterback, the No. 2 defense in the NFL and four picks in the next two rounds over the next two drafts.

The Bengals somehow upgraded at quarterback and find themselves with unlimited possibilities heading into next season's draft. To say that they made the right call is a gross understatement.