Ahead of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, we caught up with Top Drawer Soccer's Travis Clark to get his thoughts. Catch the SuperDraft live on Friday at 12 p.m. central on SportingKC.com and MLSsoccer.com
Who are some players that stood out during the MLS Player Combine?
It was an interesting set of games at the combine. Obviously without putting too much stock in three exhibition games in five days, guys like Lalas Abubakar, Joe Holland, Julian Gressel, Zeiko Lewis and Jakob Nerwinski all did relatively well.
What are your thoughts on this year’s MLS SuperDraft?
Overall, this looks to be a very similar group to past drafts. There is a small group of players that could contribute right away, some guys that could do pretty well with an adjustment period, and then a handful of players with high ceilings, though a bit of uncertainty of what they give you in 2017.
Who are some of the top prospects in this year’s SuperDraft? Any players you see as a potential regular for the USMNT in the future?
Obviously with the underclassmen that have signed Generation adidas deals all have interesting skill sets: Miles Robinson, Jeremy Ebobisse, Jackson Yueill and Jonathan Lewis are all a bit on the younger side and could grow into impact players. In the right environments, and for MLS teams with USL sides, all four could turn into promising pros. The two Generation adidas Canada players, Shamit Shome and Adonijah Reid, also fit that description. Among the seniors, Jacori Hayes, Chris Odoi-Atsem, Colton Storm, Brian Wright and Julian Gressel are closer to the top of the group. Robinson, Ebobisse and Jon Lewis look like they could have U.S. Men's National Team potential down the road, and are involved with the U.S. U20s.
How does the depth of this year’s SuperDraft compare to recent years?
As I previously mentioned, it is similar to past years. I do think there could be a handful of interesting players that could be drafted in the third and fourth round that would have the chance to become contributors. The key there is ending up within the right system that fits a player's strengths and encourages development.
Who are some possible options for Sporting KC (14th pick in the 1st round)?
Depends on what Sporting KC needs. Given the strength of outside backs, particularly right backs, that's a direction they could end towards. Colton Storm, Regan Dunk and Jake Nerwinski are fit that billing. There also should be a decent winger or two left on the board, whether that's taking a younger guy like Reid, or taking a chance on a senior like Gressel, Zeiko Lewis or Christian Thierjung
With MLS clubs signing more Homegrown players and investing in their Academies, how has the SuperDraft evolved in the last 5 years?
It's changed for a variety of reasons. The Homegrown rule has obviously depleted the player pool in college soccer, though that's been replaced to an extent by international players that show interest in coming the USA and playing in the NCAA. Those players tend to be on the older side once the draft arrives, and also require an international slot, making it more difficult to make a team. The draft can still provide cheap, useful talent, though it's unlikely to make a huge difference at the end of a season.
