The Bears were one of 15 teams to receive a compensatory pick, and it's their first such selection since 2009. Compensatory picks are awarded to teams "losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year." The fourth-round draft pick was expected for the Bears.
Chicago received the pick after losing four compensatory free agents last year in safety Adrian Amos, defensive back Bryce Callahan, offensive lineman Eric Kush and receiver Josh Bellamy while gaining only three back in safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, receiver/returner Cordarrelle Patterson and defensive back Buster Skrine. The Bears also signed running back Mike Davis last spring, but they released him last November just before the deadline eligibility to gain a compensatory pick.
The Bears' first picks in this draft are in the second round at No. 43 and No. 50 overall. The compensatory pick marks their third-highest of eight slots.
The Patriots led all teams in being awarded four compensatory picks. The NFL Draft begins April 23.