The NFL is reportedly considering an exciting new twist to the 2016 NFL Draft.
Prior to the upcoming draft in Chicago, compensatory draft picks were off the table for any potential trades. However, the league is expected to allow them to be part of the trade equation this spring, which ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes will result in more trades.
For first time this spring, NFL expected to allow teams to begin trading compensatory draft picks, per NFL sources. Should be more trades.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 19, 2015
On a related note, Bill Belichick likely needs a moment to compose himself.
Compensatory selections are awarded to teams based on the quality of players who leave and join the team via free agency. The highest value a player can garner is a 3rd-round compensatory selection, and all compensatory picks are awarded at the end of each round. The league won’t announce them until next spring closer to the draft, which begins on April 28.
It will be interesting to see how franchises around the league value these draft picks when considering potential trades. Also, it will be worth noting if there are any special rules attached to these selections.
This seems like a smart move by the league. Trades are one of the most exciting aspects of the draft process from Thursday through Saturday, and more trades equals more interest.
As if the NFL needed more of that.