Chiefs have no compensatory selections in April’s NFL Draft, hold five picks overall
The Chiefs found a diamond in the rough last spring, using a compensatory NFL Draft pick to select running back Darwin Thompson out of Utah State. They’ll have to go a different route next month in hopes of finding another gem this year.
Kansas City was not among 15 teams awarded compensatory draft picks for the 2020 NFL Draft, the league announced Tuesday. The New England Patriots were awarded four compensatory picks, the most in the league.
The NFL incorporates a complex formula “based on salary, playing time and postseason honors” to determine compensatory free agents from the previous season, according to a league statement.
A team that loses more or better players who are categorized as compensatory free agents than it acquired the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks, the league said. Not every free agent lost by a team is covered by the formula.
While the Chiefs saw the departures of center Mitch Morse, wide receiver Chris Conley, cornerback Steven Nelson and tight end Demetrius Harris in free agency last year, the announcement of no compensatory picks for KC doesn’t come as a surprise.
The Chiefs found quality players on the open market with the additions of safety Tyrann Mathieu, cornerback Bashuad Breeland, linebacker Damien Wilson and defensive end Alex Okafor, among others.
Since compensatory picks were introduced in 1994, the Chiefs have been awarded 25 selections.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach currently hold five picks for this year’s draft, which will take place April 23-25 in Las Vegas.
Click here to see the full list of teams awarded compensatory picks.
