The Rams’ 2017 draft class got deeper Friday when they were awarded two compensatory picks by the NFL.

The Rams picked up a third-round pick (No. 100 overall) and a fourth-round pick (No. 141) as compensation for the loss of three free agents last offseason: cornerback Janoris Jenkins, safety Rodney McLeod and defensive lineman Nick Fairley.

Extra picks will ease the sting of last year’s big trade with Tennessee, which brought Jared Goff to the Rams but was costly. The Rams owe the Titans first- and third-round picks this year, but now the Rams will be able to keep their own third-round pick (No. 69) and send the compensatory pick to Tennessee.

The Rams still lose the No. 5 overall pick but now will have one pick in the second, third, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds, and two picks in the fourth round. The draft will be held April 27-29 in Philadelphia.

First, the Rams must decide, by Thursday, if they want to tag one of their pending free agents as a “franchise player.” Doing so would allow the Rams to retain a free agent with a guaranteed one-year contract. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson is considered the Rams’ top pending free agent.

Contact the writer: rhammond@scng.com

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