Will freak athletes like UNC’s Boyd Okwuono shoot up the board after impressive measurables at the combine?
Will Leo Stolz’s German citizenship drop him in the draft?
TEAM
PICK
PLAYER
1
Cyle Larin, FW, Connecticut — The prolific Canadian scorer can reap instant rewards of playing with Kaka and Aurelien Collin.
2
Leo Stolz, MF, UCLA — The Hermann Trophy winner is an absolute freak who would rival Larin for the No. 1 slot if he were American born — he’s from Munich — and weren’t 23. Still Stolz should be an quick contributor, and even a star, as a rookie.
3
Ramon Martín del Campo, DF, UC Davis — Frank Klopas needs help in defense, and why not select a kid with a possible future in the USMNT set-up?
4
Cristian Roldan, MF, Washington — A Generation Adidas player, San Jose can’t believe its luck that Roldan fell this far.
5
Khiry Shelton, FW, Oregon State — Played with the Timbers PDL side, so perhaps we’re being too simple here, but makes a lot of sense for Caleb Porter.
6
Conor Donovan, DF, NC State — A player who can take his time learning the professional game under Greg Vanney, also under the watchful eye of Steven Caldwell.
7
Andy Thoma, LB, Washington — Chicago needs help in the back in a big way, and Thoma certainly provides that.
8
Boyd Okwuonu, DF, UNC— With incredible measurables, could thrive under the tutelage of Owen Coyle.
9
Fatai Alashe, MF/DF, Michigan State — His versatility is too much to pass up.
10
Nick Besler, MF, Notre Dame — And not just because “aaaaallllll the Beslers.” He’s won titles under Bobby Clark at ND, and could do the same soon at SKC.
11
Aaron Simmons, MF/DF, UCLA — Vanney goes to his alma mater for another player like Alashe, who will be able to plug and play for minutes at several positions.
12
Romario Williams, FW, UCF — Likely doesn’t fall this far, but in our draft he’s there for Peter Vermes on a GA deal at No. 12.
13
Dan Metzger, MF, Maryland — Someone to make it a little more palatable when Matias Laba misses time.
14
Andy Craven, FW, UNC — The man can score, and while most projections have Gregg Berhalter opting for a center back, the Brian McBride disciple goes to the tough striker’s former home
15
Tim Parker, DF, Saint John’s — Yes, Matt Hedges isn’t going anywhere, but there’s always a market for bruising center backs.
16
Alex Bono, GK, Syracuse — A different breed on keeper than Nick Rimando, but someone who can get a couple looks when the No. 1 has USMNT duty.
17
Otis Earle, LB, UC Riverside — Defensive depth, and a bit of offensive upside as a flanker.
18
Oumar Ballo, D, UMBC — He’s a tad older at 24, but it’s best player available here. This could be the play.
19
20
21
Seth Casiple, MF, California — Gives the Rapids depth a couple of midfield slots, mostly as a holding mid with offensive upside.
Jordan Murrell, DF, Syracuse — Best player available.
Skylar Thomas, DF, Syracuse — The Orange’s big year continues to show first round results.