The 2017 compensatory picks were announced this past week. The Carolina Panthers received an additional 3rd round pick (98th overall) because of the departure of Josh Norman and Brad Nortman. In the past, compensatory picks couldn’t be traded, but this year teams can now shop these bonus selections.

GM Dave Gettleman has been known to make moves in the draft, trading picks in three out of the four years he has been in Carolina. He played it straight in his first year as GM in 2013. In 2014, Gettleman moved up to get Bene’ Benwikere in the 5th round. In 2015, he traded up in the 2nd round for Devin Funchess and the 4th round for Daryl Williams. Last year, Gettleman moved on Daryl Worley in the 3rd round.

Gettleman hasn’t been afraid to move around some mid-level picks to get a guy he wants, particularly if his name is Daryl. The moves he has made in the past two seasons also demonstrate that Gettleman doesn’t like hoarding picks. Piling draft picks can sometimes crowd already good pros and positions on the roster. Gettleman has shown he would rather hone in on specific guys he believes in rather than the shotgun approach.

Carolina has had a fair amount of picks in past drafts between compensatory picks and trading players for picks.  Gettleman has often opted to consolidate these selections to manuever the mid rounds of the draft. In 2017, Gettleman only has one additional selection, but it’s a good one. The new option of trading compensatory picks only makes it a better one.

By the Professor, aka Tony Dunn
Follow @Cat_Chronicles for the latest Panthers news and opinions from the fan perspective.