What is A Compensatory Draft Pick in the NFL?: List of Every Compensatory Pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

The NFL is well-known for its technical complexity. Around draft weekend, fans are often left wondering what exactly a compensatory draft pick is.

The NFL draft kicked off yesterday in extraordinary fashion. After a year’s gap due to the COVID pandemic, fans returned to draft in Cleveland, ready to boo Roger Goodell every chance they got.

It just felt like the NFL draft again. The big storyline from the 1st round was the Bears trading up to snatch Justin Fields. Chicago maneuvered the move excellently, acquiring the Ohio State signal caller without giving up too much draft capital in return.

Moreover, the Crimson Tide players had a historic night. 6 Alabama players, including Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith, were selected in the first round.

As we move into Day 2 and 3, a new concept is introduced: compensatory draft picks. It may not seem like the most exciting thing ever, but keep in mind that Tom Brady was picked using a compensatory selection.

Also read: “About time we got us a real quarterback.”: Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson is stoked after Bears draft QB Justin Fields.

What is a Compensatory Draft Pick in the NFL?

Before the draft, the league awards teams who have lost better or more compensatory free agents than they have acquired with compensatory picks. The picks are positioned after the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th round of the draft.

The picks are awarded on the basis of the value, decided by salary, playing time, and postseason honors, of the free agents lost. No team will be awarded more than 4 compensatory picks, however they can be traded.

For example, this year the Dallas Cowboys have the most compensatory picks (4) after losing free agents like Byron Jones and Jason Witten.

33 picks were awarded for this reason in 2o21. Additionally, a new rule also awards picks for teams that hired minority coaches and GMs. Including both types, 37 compensatory picks were given out to 17 teams this draft.