The Patriots received four compensatory draft picks today -- one in the sixth round and three in the seventh round -- the league announced.
The picks are a result of losing Heath Evans, Jabar Gaffney, Larry Izzo, LaMont Jordan and Lonie Paxton as compensatory free agents last year. The only compensatory free agent that the Patriots signed was safety Brandon McGowan.
This gives the Patriots a total of 12 draft picks, although seven of them are in the final two rounds. The picks break down this way:
First round
Second round (from Jacksonville)
Second round (from Tennessee)
Second round
Fourth round
Sixth round
Sixth round (compensatory)
Seventh round (from Philadelphia)
Seventh round
Seventh round (compensatory)
Seventh round (compensatory)
Seventh round (compensatory)
The picks in the third and fifth round were traded to the Oakland Raiders last year for defensive end Derrick Burgess.
The topic of compensatory draft choices, and how the Patriots value them, was detailed in a piece on ESPNBoston.com on Friday.
In all, 32 such picks were given out Monday, with 19 teams getting at least one.
Carolina, Pittsburgh and Tennessee each get three, while Atlanta, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Philadelphia receive two.
Getting one compensatory choice will be Green Bay, Detroit, Jacksonville, Miami, Minnesota, Oakland, St. Louis, San Diego, Seattle, Tampa Bay and San Francisco.
Compensatory picks are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. A team losing more or better players than it acquires is eligible. The picks can't be traded.