The Ravens have cashed in on the annual compensatory pick allotment again this year, receiving an extra third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Baltimore's extra pick will be the 35th selection in the third round and 99th overall, which is tied for the highest compensatory pick in Ravens history.
The Ravens were awarded the pick after losing guard Kelechi Osemele in free agency to the Oakland Raiders last year. Osemele signed a five-year deal worth a reported $58.5 million with $25.4 million guaranteed, then went to his first Pro Bowl.
Only two other teams got better compensatory picks: the Miami Dolphins for losing defensive end Olivier Vernon to the New York Giants, and the Carolina Panthers for losing Josh Norman to the Washington Redskins.
The Ravens also saw quarterback Matt Schaub and linebacker Courtney Upshaw go to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency last offseason, but the signings of unrestricted free agents Eric Weddle and Benjamin Watson offset those losses.
According to the NFL Management Council, a team losing more or better free agents than it acquired in the previous year is eligible to receive picks. The number of picks a team receives equals the net loss of free agents.
To determine "better" free agents, the council looks at average salaries, playing time and postseason awards. Salaries make up the biggest portion of that equation.
Baltimore and General Manager Ozzie Newsome have mastered the formula, and have been awarded the most compensatory picks (48) in the NFL since the program was launched in 1994. Baltimore got three picks last year (the max is four).
The Ravens' previous two third-round compensatory picks also came in at No. 99 overall and turned into tight end Crockett Gillmore (2014) and offensive lineman Oniel Cousins (2008).
Other third-round picks in team history include defensive tackle Brandon Williams (No. 94, 2013), cornerback Lardarius Webb (No. 88, 2009) and guard Marshal Yanda (No. 86, 2007).
For the first time this year, compensatory picks will be tradeable, so Baltimore could either choose to get an extra rookie or move up from earlier picks.
