Thus far the Chicago Bears compensatory pick discussion hasn’t had a firm backing. Only theories based on previous data. That hope got a significant boost now. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein laid out his projections for which teams are likely to receive compensatory picks in 2020 based on their gains and losses over the course of free agency back in March and April.
The heavy hitters will be the Patriots and Seahawks. Both teams are expected to receive as many as four picks including three in the 3rd round for the losses of Trey Flower, Trent Brown, and Earl Thomas. The Ravens and Vikings will be right behind them receiving three picks each. So are the Bears anywhere on that list?
Indeed they are. Zierlein sees them receiving a 4th round pick as compensation for the losses of Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan.
“Projected compensatory pick: Round 4.
Key free-agent losses: Adrian Amos (Packers); Bryce Callahan (Broncos).
Key free-agent additions: Buster Skrine (Jets); Cordarrelle Patterson (Patriots); Ha Ha Clinton-Dix(Redskins).
Comp-pick analysis: Chicago may have actually signed a group of more impactful free agents than what the team lost, but the total number of qualifying free agents lost falls in the Bears’ favor by one, with their top departure, Adrian Amos, netting them a potential fourth-round pick. “
Chicago Bears compensatory pick eases 2020 4th rounder loss
It’s likely that GM Ryan Pace knew this going into the 2019 draft. Why? Don’t forget that he gave up a 2020 pick in the 4th round to move up and draft David Montgomery. In essence rather than giving up the pick, he saw it as sacrificing position in the 4th round itself in order to get a good player he wanted.
Together with the rest of the picks allotted or acquired since last year, the Bears will have nine selections in the 2020 draft. This includes extra 2nd and 5th rounders from Oakland, and an extra 5th or 6th rounder from Philadelphia. That would be tied for the most Pace has had to work with in a draft.
The other time was 2016, a draft that produced Leonard Floyd, Cody Whitehair, and Jordan Howard. Considering what Pace has done with drafts that only had five picks like 2017? Giving him extra chances is never a bad idea. It will grant him loads of flexibility to go after players he covets. It will be fascinating to see what he does with that compensatory selection.
