PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Losing halfback Ahman Green and tight end David Martin in free agency last year didn't exactly hurt the Green Bay Packers, since neither player had a significant impact on his new team and the Packers did just fine without them.

Nevertheless, Green's and Martin's departures paid relatively significant dividends Monday, when the Packers received a fourth-round compensatory draft pick in the April 26-27 NFL draft from the league.

The choice, which is the 135th overall pick and the last of five fourth-rounders handed out by the league, is the ninth-highest of the 32 picks given out. The Washington Redskins received the highest compensatory selection, a third-round pick (No. 96 overall).

Earlier in the day, before the pick was announced, general manager Ted Thompson said he wouldn't get his hopes up for a high selection, since he and former GM Ron Wolf "used to try to figure it out, but then you get upset because it doesn't work out the way you (want)."

After learning of the pick, Thompson said, "I always treat 'em like pleasant surprises -- that way I'm never disappointed. (The fourth-rounder) works out OK. It's late -- the last pick in the fourth round, but it 's a pick. We don't have a sixth(-round pick), so it makes up for that."

Asked if the Packers can get a good player at No. 135, Thompson replied with a chuckle, "If we know what we're doing, we can. But that's debatable."

Green, who signed a four-year, $23 million contract that paid him $8 million in 2007, was limited by a knee injury and rushed 70 times for 260 yards and two touchdowns in six games for the Texans, while Martin caught 34 passes for 303 yards and two TDs in 15 games for the Dolphins.

The maximum number of compensatory picks any team can receive is four, which the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals each received. The Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Redskins received three picks each, while the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins got two apiece. The Packers were one of six teams to receive one pick.

On the Ball

The Packers' new contract negotiator, vice president of player finance Russ Ball, is part of the Packers' contingent at the meetings and is settling in to his new job. Ball, who said he's been to the meeting many times during his career, said he 's been familiarizing himself with the Packers' players and cap situation since his hiring.

"There's some transition from my perpective. There's a learning curve just for learning the team," Ball said. "It's just a matter of trying to get all the numbers put with the people so when you do the contract and you actually write them, you know where they're at."

Ball, who'd worked with coach Mike McCarthy in Kansas City but never with Thompson, said he has been "really been impressed with the way he goes about things. (His approach that), 'Hey, I want to treat these players (right) and do things in business that are ethical and moral, and things like that,' it's really an interesting approach, which I'm thankful for."

Quarterback issues

Thompson said the Packers' search for a quarterback to back up Aaron Rodgers is ongoing, although it doesn't necessarily have to be a veteran.

"A lot of people have assumed that. I don't necessarily think that should be assumed. I think we have to have somebody that can play," Thompson said. "I 'm not saying somebody's going to beat out Aaron. But we need another guy.

"It'd be nice (to get a veteran), I suppose, because there's an advantage to some experience, but I think more important it's to find a guy who can play if we need him to step in."

The Packers have brought in Gus Frerotte and Quinn Gray for visits. Frerotte remains unsigned, while Gray signed with Houston. Thompson said re-signing Craig Nall is still an option, too.

"We want to make sure it's a good fit for him and good for us, too," Thompson said. "It's possible."

Meanwhile, Thompson said retired quarterback Brett Favre still hasn't filed his paperwork, but the team isn't worried.

"It's not any concern of ours. But I understand apparently it is with some," Thompson said. Asked if it would be a bigger issue if the team needed the $11.4 million in cap space his filing would provide, Thompson replied, "If in fact we were up against it and we were trying to do something in free agency, but we're not worried about the cap."

Health watch

Thompson said defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (shoulder) is "doing very well," although Thompson wouldn't say whether Jolly will be set to go for training camp. McCarthy said earlier this offseason Jolly may not be ready by late July.

"There's not a black cloud hanging over him. But I don't know about timetables," Thompson said.

The team is "still waiting on some tests" on guard Tony Palmer (neck), while the status of linebacker Abdul Hodge (knees) is unclear, although he is working out in Arizona.

Extra points

Thompson will leave today to attend USC's pro day workout in Los Angeles, so new president/CEO Mark Murphy and coach Mike McCarthy will do the voting on league proposals since he 'll be gone. "I kind of give them my opinions. Normally I would vote and I would this year, it's just that I have to leave," Thompson said. ... Halfback Ryan Grant, an exclusive rights free agent, hasn't signed his tender yet, Thompson said. Asked about a possible long-term deal with him, Thompson replied, "There's nothing to report there. Those are on-going conversations with any of our players that are private through that whole process."