NFL Compensatory Picks: The best every team has ever had

NFL compensatory picks first officially came into existence in 1994. That was the year the league moved to just seven total rounds in the draft.

The idea was simple. For certain key free agents a team would lose, they would receive a draft pick as compensation if they were unable to retain them. It took time to refine the process to what it is today, but during that span teams have all made their fair share of selections. Some of those players have actually turned into decent contributors. Some even the greatest ever to play the game.

So that leaves the fun question. Who is the greatest compensatory pick in the history of every NFL franchise? Get ready for a wide range of names folks.

Pat Tillman (S, Arizona Cardinals)

The late Pat Tillman is remembered for his service to the United States more than his football playing career, and that’s probably exactly how he would want it.

Tillman left the game of football after four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals just eight months after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. He and his brother Kevin enlisted in the United States Army in 2002 and he was tragically killed in 2004 at the age of 27.

The Cardinals selected Tillman in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft and he was in line to receive a contract extension after racking up 340 tackles in four seasons.

Tillman was one of the league’s budding stars at the strong safety position and sacrificed it all to serve his country.