Dolphins awarded three compensatory draft picks

The NFL announced the awarding of the 32 compensatory draft picks on Friday. Of the picks awarded, three of them were given to the Miami Dolphins. The compensatory picks are awarded based on an algorithm managed by the league which calculates the value of players lost in the preceding year’s free agency period, compared to the value of players signed by the team. The contracts signed and on-field production are considered in the calculation of value, then those values are ordered against the 32 picks, which are broken across rounds three through seven of the NFL Draft.

The Dolphins lost wide receiver Rishard Matthews, running back Lamar Miller, defensive end Derrick Shelby, safety Kelvin Sheppard, and defensive end Olivier Vernon in last year’s free agency period. They signed safety Isa Abdul-Quddus and defensive end Andre Branch.

As compensation, the Dolphins received the 33rd pick in the third round, 97th overall and the first compensatory draft pick for the year. That pick was likely in compensation for losing Vernon. They were also given two fifth-round picks, the 35th and 41st in that round, or the 180th and 186th overall selection. Those picks were likely for Lamar Miller and Rishard Matthews.

The Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs all received four compensatory picks, Miami received three, and the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks each received two. The Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers all received one pick each.