NFL to allow trading of compensatory picks, Ravens will benefit

Adam Schefter is reporting that the NFL is looking to allow the trading of compensatory picks for the first time ever.

For first time this spring, NFL expected to allow teams to begin trading compensatory draft picks, per NFL sources. Should be more trades.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 19, 2015

The Ravens have been awarded more compensatory picks (44) than any other NFL team since the league implemented the idea in 1994, despite not existing as a franchise until 1996. Part of the reason for that is general manager Ozzie Newsome not getting into bidding wars with other teams for their free agents. Another big reason is that Newsome has historically guessed correctly when determining if a player was beginning to slide downward in their play, allowing other teams to snatch them up. Newsome has been smart with his free agent acquisitions over the years as well, choosing to go after players that wouldn't count against the compensatory pick formula.

Recently, the Ravens had 3 comp picks in the 2015 NFL Draft and a league high 4 in the 2014 NFL Draft. In previous years, these picks were untradeable and teams had to select players at those spots. With the idea that the Ravens can begin to wheel and deal these picks in favor of moving up or down in the draft, the Ravens should be able to excel even more than they have in prior years.

While no one knows quite yet how many comp picks the Ravens will get at the end of this season, the Ravens did lose 5 free agents including wide receiver Torrey Smith, pass rusher Pernell McPhee, safety Darian Stewart, tight end Owen Daniels, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor; all players that have started with their new teams.