When it comes to building a championship-caliber roster, Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions front office are always thinking two steps ahead—and that includes the compensatory draft pick game.
While fans tend to get fired up about free agency and draft night splashes, it’s the behind-the-scenes strategy—like stockpiling comp picks—that separates savvy front offices from the rest. And once again, the Lions look like they’re set to cash in.
What Are Compensatory Picks Anyway?
In short? They’re bonus draft picks teams get for losing more qualifying free agents than they gain. It’s a reward for being responsible (and sometimes just plain patient) in free agency. The league uses a formula based on salary, snap counts, and postseason honors to decide what round those picks fall into—anywhere from Round 3 to Round 7.
