By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
With a crucial draft coming up for the Patriots, the picture of what they’ll have to work with is becoming a little clearer. On Tuesday, Over The Cap released their annual compensatory pick projections, and they have the Patriots landing three selections.
According to their formula, the Patriots will receive the top comp pick, a third-rounder, for the loss of Tom Brady. They’ll also add two fourths, following the losses of Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins.
The Patriots lost four more compensation-worthy free agents in 2020, but will not receive those picks. Danny Shelton and Ted Karras were valued at sixth-round selections, but those picks are canceled out by the signings of Adrian Phillips and Beau Allen. Elandon Roberts and Nate Ebner projected as seventh-round losses, but fall were ranked outside of the top 32 losses, which is the maximum number of compensation picks given out.
While OTC’s formula is generally pretty accurate, they made a note that this season’s projection was much more of a challenge than years past. With a new CBA and financial changes around the league due to the COVID pandemic, they were left dealing with more unknowns than usual.
Usually, the league reveals the compensation picks following the NFL Combine. With that event being held digitally this year the time frame is more unsure, but they’ll likely come in early March.
As things currently stand, the Patriots hold all of their original picks minus a third-rounder, which was forfeited following an investigation into illegally videotaping the Bengals’ sideline last season. They also have an additional sixth round pick from the Dallas Cowboys, which they received last season in exchange for Michael Bennett.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.