The Patriots were awarded three compensatory draft picks based on losing free agents Asante Samuel, Donte' Stallworth and Randall Gay in the 2007-08 off-season.
Compensatory picks are determined by a free agent's salary, playing time and postseason performance. In losing Samuel, Stallworth and Gay, the Patriots gained a third-round pick (97th overall), a fifth-round pick (170th) and a sixth-round pick (207th).
By gaining a third round pick, the Patriots now have a whopping six draft picks in the top 100. They have their first-round pick (23rd overall), three second-rounders (their own, San Diego's and Kansas City's) and two third-round picks (their own and their compensatory pick). For a team looking to fill holes in the secondary, linebacking corps and offensive line, having six picks in the first 97 overall will pay significant dividends going into the April 23-24 NFL Draft.
The Patriots now have leverage to either swing a trade or move up in the draft. They can package together multiple picks to move into an earlier slot, or they could use numerous picks to make a trade (Julius Peppers, anyone?)
While losing Asante Samuel had significant effects on the Patriots' secondary, leaving Ellis Hobbs and Deltha O'Neal to foot the load, his departure has allowed for the Patriots to look into a potentially bright future on the defensive side of the ball.
If only he held onto that Eli Manning pass in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII...
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