Ravens projected to have four compensatory picks in 2026 NFL Draft
Baltimore just used all 11 picks in the 2025 NFL draft, and Eric DeCosta could be loaded for 2026 after losing several key free agents.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein projected the compensatory pick process for next spring and has the Ravens penciled in for four more extra draft picks following the departure of several key contributors.
How the process works
The number of compensatory picks allotted each year is limited to the number of teams in the league (32), per the collective bargaining agreement. However, compensatory picks are not divided up equally among the teams, and no team can receive more than four compensatory picks in a single year. Teams that end up with more qualifying free agents lost than gained in a particular year are eligible to receive compensatory selections. A team that lost as many qualifying free agents as it gained might be eligible to receive a Round 7 compensatory pick, based on the value of the qualifying free agents it lost versus the value of the qualifying free agents it gained.
Teams are awarded compensatory draft picks between Rounds 3 and 7 based on a league formula that takes into account a player's average salary per year (APY), snap count and postseason awards. While there is an expected level of compensation for a player based on the amount he has signed for, his playing time (or lack thereof) in the upcoming season could alter the expectation.
Here's what Zierlein said about Baltimore:
Projected compensatory picks: two in Round 5; two in Round 7.Key free-agent losses: Patrick Mekari (Jaguars), Brandon Stephens (Jets), Malik Harrison (Steelers), Josh Jones (Seahawks), Tre'Davious White (Bills)Key free-agent addition: DeAndre Hopkins
No team has been better at stockpiling compensatory picks than the Ravens, who had the maximum total of four in 2025. They are likely to be awarded four compensatory picks again in 2026. Stephens and Mekari should net fifth-round selections, while Jones could bring a seventh-rounder. Also, I believe White will receive enough playing time in Buffalo to fetch another pick late in Round 7.
The NFL Management Council's formula to determine the compensatory picks for the 2026 NFL Draft will not be completed until after the 2025 season is over. To qualify for the compensatory-pick formula, players need to have been signed as unrestricted free agents before April 28. Players released by their previous team are not eligible for the formula, so they're not included in the key additions. Note also that players are presented in order of descending APY, according to Over the Cap.
Baltimore and Pittsburgh are the only teams projected to have four.
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