Packers could land four compensatory picks in 2018 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers could potentially land four compensatory picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.
One benefit of losing players to big contracts in free agency is the potential of being awarded compensatory draft selections.
That looks to be the case for the Packers in 2018, who are in position to land four additional picks, the maximum a team can be given.
According to the latest projections by OverTheCap.com, the Packers will receive four compensatory picks this year after losing T.J. Lang, Micah Hyde, JC Tretter and Jared Cook last year.
They project that the Packers will receive one pick in the third round and three in the fifth round. That would provide new general manager Brian Gutekunst plenty to work with in the spring.
Green Bay could also receive an additional seventh-round pick from the Bills.
Back in 2016, Green Bay received a seventh-round selection in return for linebacker Lerentee McCray in a trade with Buffalo.
In total, Gutekunst could have as many as 12 draft picks entering his first draft. Along with a more aggressive approach to free agency, the roster could go through a major transformation this spring.
Compensatory picks can be traded. With an additional four selections potentially on the way to Green Bay, Gutekunst will find it easier to strike a trade on draft day.
The signing of Martellus Bennett was set to count against the Packers in the compensatory picks formula, but according to OverTheCap.com, players cut before Week 10 aren’t included. The timing of his release could ensure the Packers get all four additional picks.
Green Bay has used its compensatory picks well in the past.
Mike Daniels, Josh Sitton and Blake Martinez were all selected with compensatory picks. Daniels became a Pro Bowler in 2017. Sitton earned three Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro honor while in Green Bay. Martinez has just finished an excellent second season.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
The NFL will likely announce the full list of compensatory picks some time in February. For now, Green Bay looks set to receive the maximum.