The NFL has officially handed out compensatory picks for this year’s draft. According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, the Falcons have received extra fourth and fifth-round picks. Here’s a look at the complete list of every team’s comp picks for 2019.
Atlanta is getting these extra picks based on losses in free agency last year. Defensive tackle Dontari Poe left and signed with the division-rival Panthers, while wide receiver Taylor Gabriel moved on to the Bears. They also lost edge Adrian Clayborn to the Patriots and kick returner Andre Roberts to the Jets.
These comp picks are a great argument for teams to build through the draft rather than free agency and Atlanta has done well under general manager Thomas Dimitroff in this area. The 2018 season was an outlier because of all the serious injuries the defense suffered.
Given another strong draft class and a little more luck with injuries, the Falcons should be right back in the mix to compete for the NFC South crown next season.
