In an unexpected turn of events, the NFL was forced to rectify a rare error in the allocation of compensatory draft picks for the upcoming 2024 draft. The error, which occurred over the weekend, led to the Cincinnati Bengals being awarded picks 111 spots lower than they should have been. However, with the mistake now fixed, the Bengals emerge as the biggest winners in the revised draft order.

Initially, the league awarded the Bengals two additional slots in the sixth round, picking at 208th and 214th overall. But after the correction, the NFL confirmed on Monday that the Bengals were entitled to a third-round pick, elevating their selection to the 97th overall spot. Additionally, they retained the 214th overall pick in the sixth round.

The adjustment in the Bengal's position had a ripple effect on the rest of the draft order. Now, picks from 97th through 207th will drop back by one spot. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles, who were originally granted the 97th overall pick, will now have the 98th overall pick. Similarly, the Carolina Panthers will start the fourth round with pick number 101 instead of 100.

A memo was sent out to all 32 teams by the NFL, explaining that the error occurred due to a mistake in the calculation of "Honors." The league expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to the clubs.

Analysts have attributed the mistake to undervaluing the loss of Jessie Bates, who departed the Bengals for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2023 offseason. Nick Korte of Over the Cap demonstrated that by properly valuing Bates' departure as a third-round pick and considering Orlando Brown Jr.'s departure as a fourth-round pick, the Bengal's cancellation chart would have indicated receiving a third-round pick and a sixth-round pick, instead of the two sixth-round picks.

Compensatory draft picks are awarded annually by the NFL based on a formula that remains undisclosed. Generally, teams that experience a greater loss of quality free agents compared to acquisitions from the previous year become eligible for compensatory picks. The complexities of this formula may explain the initial error made during the allocation process.

Although the correction disrupted the original draft order, the Bengals stand to benefit significantly with a higher third-round selection. As the NFL finalizes preparations for the 2024 draft, teams will now be adjusting their strategies to accommodate the revised order of picks.