Before today, the New England Patriots held only five selections heading into the 2018 NFL draft. However, the team was awarded an additional pick earlier today when the league announced its 32 compensatory draft choices: the Patriots received an additional fourth round draft pick – number 136 overall – as a result of their net losses during last year's free agency period.
The Patriots, according to the league's formula, lost running back LeGarrette Blount, defensive linemen Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard as well as linebacker Barkevious Mingo and cornerback Logan Ryan via free agency.