The NFL’s list of compensatory draft picks was released today. Any Packers fans who read that list were smiling ear to ear when they found the Green Bay Packers name on the list three times. Compensatory picks are awarded to NFL teams that have lost valuable players to free agency or the hiring of a minority employee as a head coach or general manager with a different team. Compensatory picks are aimed at round three through seven if one of the above criteria are met. The NFL uses a formula for a player’s average yearly salary, snap count, and postseason awards. The NFL won’t release how they determine this list, but it is generally for the best.
Green Bay Packers Receive More Draft Ammunition
What Is Green Bay Receiving?
This year, Green Bay was able to earn three additional draft picks:
- Pick Number 168 (5th) – Compensatory Pick for losing Allen Lazard in free agency
- Pick Number 219 (6th) – Compensatory Picks for losing Jarran Reed in free agency.
- Pick Number 255 (7th) – Compensatory Pick for losing Dean Lowry in free agency.
How Can the Green Bay Packers Benefit?
Some might think a fifth, sixth, and seventh-round draft choice is not that valuable. Here is what Green Bay did with their fifth, sixth, and seventh-round picks last year. They drafted Dontayvion Wicks with the 159th pick. Karl Brooks with the 179th pick and Carrington Valentine with the 232 pick. All significant contributors for the Packers last season. They also got Anthony Johnson Jr, one of the only safeties on the roster. No matter how you look at it, this gives Brian Gutekunst and his team more draft capital. Gutekunst struck gold last year in the draft. This only bolsters my faith that he will come through for Green Bay again this year.
Draft Picks also give the team flexibility to trade up for a guy if they wish. The more picks you have, the more room you have to work within the draft.
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