Ted Thompson did not travel to Orlando, Fla., for this week's annual meetings, but wherever he is, the Green Bay Packers general manager likely pleased with Monday's developments.
The NFL awarded the Packers a pair of compensatory draft picks, one in the third round (No. 98 overall) and one in the fifth (No. 176). The announcement was made at the league's annual meetings, where the Packers were represented by team president Mark Murphy, coach Mike McCarthy and several other front office staff members.
Murphy told reporters at the meetings that Thompson is fine and working but could not travel. Thompson typically leaves the three-day meetings a day early to resume his pre-draft preparations.
Although the exact formula for awarding additional picks isn't known, not even to the teams themselves, it is based on the net losses in free agency from the previous offseason with contracts, playing time and productivity factored in.
Thompson did not sign any free agents in 2013 but lost receiver Greg Jennings (who signed with the Minnesota Vikings) and outside linebacker Erik Walden (Indianapolis Colts). The third-round pick was for losing Jennings and the fifth rounder for Walden.
The 98th overall selection represents the Packers' highest compensatory pick since 1999, when they used one at No. 94 overall to select defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt.
With the two additional picks, the Packers will have nine selections in the upcoming draft on May 8-10. They own their original picks in each round, beginning with No. 21 overall, plus the two compensatory selections.
Compensatory picks cannot be traded.
Among the players Thompson has drafted with compensatory picks in recent years were: guard Josh Sitton (fourth round, 2008), cornerback Davon House (fourth round, 2011), defensive tackle Mike Daniels (fourth round, 2012) and defensive end Josh Boyd (fifth round, 2013).
