I made a fanshot about this, but nobody looks at those...so I'll make a fanpost out of it.  Anyway, a blogger, AdamJT, discusses how the picks are made and makes his predictions about this year.  Alot of people around here think the Bears will get a 3rd round pick for the loss of Berrian.  This guy is predicting a 4th rounder.  Although he hedges his bets a little and say there's a possibility the Bears will get a 3rd.

The article is quite long, but gives a thorough explanation of how the picks are awarded.  I don't know who this guy is, but props to him for somewhat figuring it all out.  Other things to check out is his article on what he got right and wrong from last years' picks and something about the 30% Rule about contracts and the upcoming uncapped year and the loophole the Saints are using to lower this season's signee's cap hits.

Looking at this years picks, which the NFL will announce this week, the Patriots are loaded with good picks.  They got a 2nd rounder for Cassel and look to add a 3rd, a 5th, and a 6th.  The compensation picks cannot be traded.  But with a low 1st, 2 2nds, and another 3rd, NE can make a significant move if they wanted too, or stand pat (pun intended) and stock their alreay superb team with more talent.  Yes, I have organizational envy.

Either way, a 4th or a 3rd rounder is a good thing to have.  JA seems to do better with the mid-round picks anyway (not counting Wolfe or Okwo of course).  I'll hope for a 3rd.  With an extra 3rd rounder, we could package our original 3rd and 2nd to maybe move up in the 2nd round.  If there's a run on 2nd tier linemen, I'd like to be in that game.