The San Francisco 49ers have been awarded seven compensatory draft picks for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft, the most of any team in the league. Four of the picks are a result of the NFL’s formula for awarding picks to teams that have a net loss in free agents, while the other three picks were awarded as a result of the league’s initiative that awards picks to the prior employer club of a minority employee who has been hired by another club as its head coach or primary football executive.
The 49ers’ four picks from free agent losses are all third-rounders, while the other three picks were awarded to the team due to the departures of head coach Robert Saleh and general managers Martin Mayhew (San Antonio Commanders) and Ran Carthon (Tennessee Titans). The Browns and Chiefs also received third round selections via that route and the Rams joined the 49ers in picking up four overall picks because of their free agent losses.
The 37 total picks are spread out among 28 teams, with the New England Patriots receiving the most with four. The 49ers have now been awarded a total of 23 compensatory draft picks since 1994.
With the extra picks, the 49ers have 10 total selections in the 7-round draft, including the No. 12 overall selection in the first round. The team is expected to be aggressive in the draft as they look to bolster their team for the 2021 season. The extra picks will provide the 49ers with more flexibility to move up and down the draft board, depending on the players they are targeting.
The 2021 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place April 29th through May 1st. With these extra picks, the 49ers will be able to add more talent to their roster as they look to build on their recent success and make a run at the Super Bowl.
