The New England Patriots received an extra pick in the 2014 NFL draft for losing wide receiver Wes Welker and three other free agents last offseason.
The Patriots were awarded a fourth-round compensatory draft pick on Monday. The extra pick — 140th overall — gives the Patriots eight selections in May’s draft.
The Patriots got the pick for losing Welker, running back Danny Woodhead, offensive lineman Donald Thomas and safety Patrick Chung. The players the Patriots gained before and during the 2013 season — receiver Danny Amendola, defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga and offensive tackle Will Svitek — are factored in, as well.
The Patriots have two fourth-round and two sixth-round picks and no fifth-round selection. They traded their fifth-round pick in October to the Philadelphia Eagles for Sopoaga and a sixth-round selection. The compensatory pick cannot be traded.
The Patriots got wide receiver Josh Boyce with their fourth-round pick in 2013, tight end Aaron Hernandez in 2010 and offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger in 2009. They did not have fourth-round picks in 2011 and 2012.
