The Atlanta Falcons landed four compensatory draft picks March 18, 2013.
Since 1994 these picks have been awarded as compensation for teams that lose more free agents than it acquires in the previous year.
The Falcons did not sign a free agent in 2012, yet lost Eric Weems, Curtis Lofton, James Sanders and Kelvin Hayden - ultimately tying the team with the Ravens for the most compensatory picks received.
Atlanta received a fourth-rounder and three seventh-rounders, giving them 11 total picks in the upcoming draft.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that general manager Thomas Dimitroff and company were pleasantly surprised with the announcement, as they were only expecting a pick or two.
The extra picks will likely give Dimitroff the opportunity to move around on draft day.
“We have a plan in place,” Smith said. “Thomas and his staff have done a great job in identifying it. We know there are areas of improvement, not only on the defensive side, but there are areas that we have to improve on the offensive side.
“Our goal, like every offseason, is to acquire the best talent that we possibly can.”
The NFL Draft is set to begin April 25th and will last through the 27th.
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