Carl Ford was a seventh-round compensatory pick in 2003.
One of 16 NFL teams to receive compensatory picks from the league Monday, the Green Bay Packers were awarded one seventh-round choice in the 2004 NFL Draft.
The pick, the 251st overall selection, is compensation for the Packers' losses in free agency last year. Under the terms of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in a year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.
Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors.
Last year the Packers lost compensatory free agent defensive end Vonnie Holliday, defensive lineman Billy Lyon, defensive back Tod McBride and cornerback Tyrone Williams.
Meanwhile, the Packers acquired compensatory free agent fullback Nick Luchey, linebacker Hannibal Navies, defensive end Chukie Nwokorie and offensive lineman Grey Ruegamer.
With the addition of the compensatory pick, the Packers now have eight picks overall heading into the draft: one pick each round, plus two in the seventh round.
Unlike other draft picks, compensatory picks cannot be traded.
Last year the Packers had four compensatory draft picks and used them to select three players still on the roster: tackle Brennan Curtin (6th round, 212th overall), wide receiver Carl Ford (7th, 256th) and linebacker Steve Josue (7th, 257th). The other compensatory pick was used on wide receiver DeAndrew Rubin (7th, 253rd), who was waived prior to the regular season.
The Packers' first pick of the 2004 draft is currently slated to be the 25th overall selection.
The NFL Draft is April 24 and 25.
