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ESPN - Chiefs get largest rookie pool to pay draft picks - NFL

According to numerous experts, the Kansas City Chiefs had the best draft. Now, they have to pay for those players.

The Chiefs received the highest rookie pool numbers by the NFL, a source said on Wednesday. With 12 draft choices -- two first-rounders taken in the top 15 -- the Chiefs have a rookie pool of $8,221,790, tops in the league. Not only do they have two first-rounders to sign, but they have a second and three thirds.

Even though agents and teams get around the rookie pool with contract escalators, post first-year option bonuses and one-time incentives, the rookie pool was created to somehow slot the signings of draft choices by the position they were selected. Each selection in the draft is given a value, which is a predetermined cap number. All rookies, including undrafted rookies, have to fit within the assigned rookie pool.

Team Picks Pool
KC 12 $8,221,790
ATL 11 $7,918,670
MIA 9 $6,538,400
STL 8 $5,997,510
CHI 12 $5,791,190
CIN 10 $5,555,750
CAR 9 $5,371,570
BUF 10 $5,351,820
BAL 10 $5,045,770
NYJ 6 $4,903,030
DEN 9 $4,877,060
DET 9 $4,815,910
WAS 10 $4,543,890
NE 7 $4,344,990
NO 6 $4,295,240
PHI 10 $4,256,320
OAK 5 $4,119,700
DAL 6 $4,095,120
GB 9 $4,076,190
ARI 7 $3,919,230
TEN 7 $3,822,960
JAX 5 $3,721,960
PIT 7 $3,719,450
TB 7 $3,699,370
SEA 7 $3,674,960
NYG 7 $3,521,820
HOU 6 $3,477,820
SF 6 $3,413,020
IND 9 $3,305,300
SD 5 $2,627,940
MIN 5 $2,055,780
CLE 5 $1,789,980