Rams Projected To Receive Four Compensatory Picks

Dec 9, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson (11) celebrates after catching a pass for the winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Rams beat the Bills 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Last season the Rams did not receive any compensatory picks, and were traded away their picks after the 5th round to receive running back Zac Stacy. This season is different however as the Rams are projected to receive four compensatory picks in this year’s draft.

Jimmy Kempski used to run the football blog Blogging the bEast, but has since moved on to Philly.com. One of the great features that moved with him is the posting of Craig Turner’s projection of compensatory draft picks.

The specific formula that the NFL uses to determine the picks isn’t known, but Turner has produced highly reliable projections in previous years, as he has been spot on in the past.

The process, is that picks are awarded to teams that have a net loss in player moving through free agency the year before. Money, playing time and awards are also part of the process but exactly how is not clear. Players who become free agents because they were cut or were a non-tendered RFA or ERFA do not count.

Last season the Rams lost Brandon Gibson, Rob Turner, Craig Dahl, and Bradley Fletcher. Here are their projected compensation picks.

6 – St. Louis – Brandon Gibson
7 – St. Louis – Bradley Fletcher
7 – St. Louis – Craig Dahl
7 – St. Louis – Rob Turner

The highest compensation pick this season went to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round as they lost wide receiver Mike Wallace last offseason in free agency.

A pick in the sixth and three in the seventh isn’t something to jump up and down for, but the Rams have more picks and who knows, they may find that diamond in the rough. If anything the Rams can use them to move ahead in other rounds.

Remember these are not official, and won’t be until the NFL makes their announcement next month. Kempski does have a good reputation though, so these should be pretty close.