2014 NFL Draft: Steelers Awarded Three Compensatory Picks For Free-Agent Losses
By Matt Shetler
The 2014 NFL Draft is presumed to be one of the deepest in recent memory. With that being said, it can only help a team to have plenty of picks when the draft rolls around in May.
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Shamarko Thomas (29) warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Things got better for the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday night when they were awarded three compensatory picks in this draft.
The picks were awarded for losing three starters last season via free agency in wide receiver Mike Wallace, cornerback Keenan Lewis and running back Rashard Mendenhall.
For losing Wallace, the Steelers received a pick in the third round, the 97th overall.
That alone is huge, as prior to being awarded the compensatory pick the Steelers did not have a third round selection in this draft. They had traded their 2014 third-round pick last year to the Cleveland Browns in order to select safety Shamarko Thomas in the fourth round.
But Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert made that deal expecting to receive a third-round pick for losing Wallace so everything has worked out.
In addition to the Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers each received a compensatory third-round pick.
The Steelers also received a fifth-round pick (173rd overall) for losing Lewis and a sixth-round selection (No. 215) for losing Mendenhall.
With the compensatory picks awarded, the team now has nine selections in the 2014 Draft.