With the Generation adidas class completed (we think), and the MLS Combine fast approaching, the 2011 MLS Draft class has really started to take shape.
A total of 10 Generation adidas players lead a strong crop of players that will also include five non-college international players (among them John "Wayne's my brother" Rooney). For this Big Board I will leave out the international players. They will all be included in next week's Big Board, the final board before the 2011 MLS Draft.
Michael Tetteh's inclusion on the Generation adidas class definitely shakes things up a bit. He's capable of breaking into the Top Ten, and immediately becomes the top left back prospect in the draft.
The Top of the SBI MLS Big Board hasn't shifted all that much, and probably won't change much considering the fact that five of the top six players won't be taking part in the Combine due to U.S. Under-20 national team camp and Nagbe's request to be excused from competing.
If you're curious about how the last Big Board before the MLS Combine will measure up compared to the actual draft, here is the final 2010 MLS Draft Big Board before last year's Combine.
The second SBI MLS Mock Draft will be posted on Thursday. For now, here is our latest SBI MLS Draft Big Board (and for those who haven't figured out the distinctions by now, the Big Board is the ranking of the players based on draft value, NOT where they will be drafted. That's what the MLS Mock Draft is for):
SBI MLS DRAFT BIG BOARD 4.0 (*-Generation adidas signing)
1. *PERRY KITCHEN, Akron, Defensive Midfielder
Capable of playing defensive midfield, centerback or even right back, Kitchen is arguably the best long-term prospect in the draft. He's a tenacious defender, but also passes well and could develop into an all-star defensive midfielder. Scouts also rave about his strong leadership qualities. Kitchen is a U.S. Under-20 standout and lock Top Three pick.
2. *DARLINGTON NAGBE, Akron, Forward/Midfielder
Strong, fast and skillful striker who can also play on the wing. Some think he can be better than fellow Akron alums Steve Zakuani and Teal Bunbury.
3. *ZAC MACMATH, Maryland, Goalkeeper
Top-flight goalkeeper is a U.S. Under-20 starter and best goalkeeper available.
4. *ZAREK VALENTIN, Akron, Right Back/Centerback
U.S. Under-20 defender is capable of playing centerback or right back. Doesn't boast the attacking qualities of Kofi Sarkodie, but is a better defender.
5. *KOFI SARKODIE, Akron, Right Back
Best attacking fullback to come out of college in years. His ability to get forward from the right back position has teams drooling.
6. OMAR SALGADO, Gen Adidas, Forward
A teenage 6-foot-3 target striker with good feet and worlds of potential. He's more of a long-term project and is thought by some to have the most upside in the draft.
7. *WILL BRUIN, Indiana, Forward
Strong striker who has been one of the best finishers in college, he will draw serious interest from teams looking for a physical presence up top. Arguably the second-most MLS-ready attacking player in the draft class after Nagbe.
8. *COREY HERTZOG, Penn State, Forward
Fast, fearless and a clutch finisher, Hertzog has quietly climbed the charts this fall. Philadelphia tried unsuccessfully to land him as a Homegrown Player.
9. *MICHAEL NANCHOFF, Akron, Left winger
Might have improved his draft stock more than any player at the College Cup, Nanchoff is a skillful left winger whose passing, work rate and service from the flank has scouts very interested. Akron head coach Caleb Porter has been raving about Nanchoff since pre-season and now many squads have joined the fan club.
10. A.J. SOARES, California, Central Defender
Tall (6-foot-2) and skilled central defender who is also a threat on set pieces, Soares is regarded by some as the best centerback in the draft. He could be this year's Tim Ream. He has signed a senior MLS contract.
11. ANTHONY AMPAIPITAKWON, Akron, Midfielder
His versatility, quickness and passing touch make him a very attractive prospect, and he also impressed scouts with his toughness at the College Cup.
12. *MICHAEL TETTEH, UCSB, Defender/Midfielder
A speedy left-sided player who played on the wing in college but who scouts project as an attacking fullback, Tetteh was the last Generation adidas signing and immediately slides in as one of the top left-footed players in the draft pool.
13. JALIL ANIBABA, North Carolina, Defender
A dominant physical presence at centerback, Anibaba could be considered this year's Ike Opara (though he isn't quite as physically gifted). Rivals Soares for title of best centerback in the draft. If he has a good combine he could lead a team to make an early first-round play for him. He has signed a senior MLS contract.
14. JUSTIN MERAM, Michigan, Forward
Three months ago Meram might not have even been invited to the MLS Combine. After scoring a ton of goals in the final weeks of the college season, and thoroughly impressing at College Cup, Meram has catapulted himself into the first-round conversation.
15. MICHAEL FARFAN, North Carolina, Midfielder
A skilled attacking midfielder considered by some as the most talented senior in the draft, Farfan has great one-on-one ability and is one of the best passers in the draft. He has signed a senior MLS contract.
16. STEVEN MCCARTHY, North Carolina, Midfielder
A 6-foot-4 central midfielder who scouts have had eye on since his days at Santa Clara. He passes extremely well for his size and is a legitimate aerial threat on set pieces. Has already signed a senior MLS contract.
17. JASON HERRICK, Maryland, Forward
A mature, quick and a good finisher, Herrick is one of the better seniors available and good bet to go in the first round.
18. COLE GROSSMAN, Duke, Midfielder
Overshadowed by standout Duke underclassmen Andrew Wenger and Ryan Finley, Grossman has won over his share of scouts with his attacking qualities.
19. DANIEL KEAT, Dartmouth, Midfielder
A polished soccer player with skill and work rate to be effective two-way player. New Zealand-born midfielder plays well centrally, but also floats out to provide dangerous service.
20. MICHAEL BOXALL, UCSB, Defender
The New Zealand-born centerback is arguably a more mature defender than the other top prospects, Boxall is a tough player and good leader. A strong Combine could push him into the first round.
21. ASHLEY MCINNES, Tulsa, Forward/Midfielder
22. TYLER LASSITER, North Carolina State, Defender
23. BOBBY WARSHAW, Stanford, Midfielder/Defender
Tough and talented defender who looks more suited to defensive midfield role in MLS. A former U.S. youth national team player, Warshaw has a good skill set, but stands more to gain from a strong combine than most.
24. JEFF ATTINELLA, South Florida, Goalkeeper
A physically-imposing shot stopper, Attinella carried an underachieving South Florida team at times and his physical qualities make him a standout prospect. He has a standing offer from Portuguese side U.D. Lieria and is the highest-rated goalkeeper playing in the MLS Combine.
25. RYAN KINNE, Monmouth, Forward
One of the better attacking players in college last season, Kinne was a late addition to the MLS Combine, where he will have the chance to show off his goal-scoring ability and creativity.
26. RICH BALCHAN, Indiana, Midfielder
A smart and skilled defensive midfielder who could be a second-round steal. Balchan impressed scouts with his poise and ability to disrupt opposing attacks.
27. LEVI HOUAPEU, UMBC, Forward/Midfielder
With speed to burn and a keen passing eye, Houapeu is intriguing scouts who could see him as an impact winger or fast option up top. He'll need to impress at the Combine to prove that his small school background isn't hiding a lack of ability.
28. J.T. MURRAY, Louisville, Defender
A marauding left back with a natural left foot and good attacking qualities, Murray is the best player at his position in the draft. A strong combine could lead a team to reach for him in the first round.
29. DIEGO RESTREPO, Virginia, Goalkeeper
A national champion as a junior, Restrepo enjoyed one of the best goalkeeping careers in college history but still managed not to get invited to the MLS Combine. His size (6-foot) is a concern to some scouts, but Restrepo has trained with MLS clubs before and is set to trial with Colombian side America de Cali. Could be a draft-day steal.
30. J.C. BANKS, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Midfielder
A speedy winger who has garnered interest from Scandinavian clubs, Banks could push himself closer to the first round with a strong Combine.
31. ERNESTO CARRANZA, Sacramento State, Forward/Midfielder
Skillful creator can play in midfield and as a second striker. Small, but talented. Will need a special Combine to distinguish himself from the plethora of playmakers in the Combine.
32. CJ SAPONG, James Madison, Forward
Good size-speed combination at forward should benefit from relatively thin pool of forwards in the draft.
33. AMANI WALKER, Forward, UC-Irvine
Big target forward will need to show he's quick enough to be an impact player on the next level.
34. JOSUE SOTO, SMU, Midfielder
Capable of setting up teammates as well as finding his own goal-scoring chances, Soto is a sleeper who could wind up going earlier than expected come draft time.
35. MATHEUS BRAGA, Penn State, Midfielder
Very skillful midfielder would be rated higher but he's the oldest college player in the Combine (24).
36. JOSH FORD, Connecticut, Goalkeeper
Athletic goalkeeper will need a good Combine to try and surpass Attinella as No. 2 GK in the Draft.
37. EDDIE ABABIO, North Carolina, Defender
Converted forward is now an attacking fullback. Defensive qualities still a bit raw, but athleticism is enticing.
38. JUAN LEONE CRUZ, SMU, Defender
Tough centerback with good ball skills.
39. BRYAN MEREDITH, Monmouth, Goalkeeper
Big goalkeeper will need to have a standout MLS Combine to be drafted.
40. BRAYAN MARTINEZ, Seton Hall, Forward/Midfielder
Left-footed attacking player could see time as second striker, but better suited as creative midfielder.
41. MATT GOLD, Ohio State, Midfielder
42. SERVANDO CARRASCO, California, Midfielder
43. CHRIS KORB, Defender, Akron
44. TOMMY DRAKE, Midfielder, Clemson
45. CURTIS USHEDO, UAB, Defender
46. DAVIS PAUL, California, Forward
47. LEBO PILA, St. Peter's, Midfielder
48. COLIN GIVENS, Michigan State, Defender
49. DUSTIN MCCARTY, North Carolina, Midfielder
50. KARL REDDICK, Boston College, Midfielder
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Omar Gonzalez was named Nick Cardenas last year…funny
caldwell will not have a professional career
tyler lassiter out of nc state is a complete joke. karl reddick out of bc wont even be considered – he is not a soccer player. ampai out of akron is too soft for the next level.
cj sapong is one of the best forwards (based on current talent/experience) in the class and will be starting from day one.
(SBI-Haterade is a hell of a drink.)
This is usually true, except for Letoux. He was a defender in france before he went to seattle to play forward in usl, winger in MLS and back to forward for Philly. Just an exception.
Don’t forget that Mwanga, Okugo, and Nakazawa all represented the West Coast in school…..
I don’t agree that this year’s draft is long on forwards. I would like to see a draft board where the first 8 or 10 spots are taken up by forwards. In MLS many youth forwards are re-purposed as defenders. You never see defenders becoming forwards.
What’s the deal with Akron’s Scott Caldwell? Is he staying in school, or just not a prospect? Akron’s website says Junior, thought he was a soph. though?
Hammarby’s GM denies any contract offer to JC Banks. Says they will not pursue him and Banks’ agent is just trying to get his player a MLS deal. GM will attend the combine and meet with minority owner AEG’s representative Galaxy’s Chris Klein.
Ha! FAIL…..
Seems the draft is long on forwards and central mids but short on wingers and fullbacks.
If I were an expansion team with a short roster, I’d go with someone whom might contribute right away. I’d go with Nagbe rather than Kitchen or Salgado.
(SBI-Most scouts would disagree with your suggestion that Kitchen can’t contribute right away. He’s a top player on a loaded U.S. Under-20 team for a reason.)
Chivas USA needs help on defense. We have new defensive-minded coach and a veteran like Conrad to help with the transistion. So that’s what I’m thinking. In our run to the US Open cup semi-final, Seattle just ran around us. Actually most teams did, but that’s when it was obvious to me that we needed defensive help more.
That said, if we get to land Salgado, I say take him. It’s only a matter of time until Justin Braun signs with some Danish or Finnish club anyways.
Peace.
Younger players are more likely to flame out… an older player’s performance and skill set is a much more reliable indicator of future success.
What about Omar Salgado leads you to believe that he will be dominant? How many times have you seen him play? Hell, how many times have you seen ANY of these kids play?
i am not saying you are overrating kinne, but I think he needs a very strong combine to justify #25. However, i get what you are saying
Ives your response is well taken. Maybe we will agree to disagree but I’m of the school of thought that the best player, which would factor in upside should go first. Omar has a chance in a year or two to be dominate which will only help the team that drafts him and will bring much more $$$ if they eventually decide to sell him.
There’s a reason why Bryce Harper was the first over all pick in the MLB draft and it wasn’t because he would make the biggest impact this year or possibly next year. The GM’s all know he’s the real deal and are willing to wait.
Much like the debate between Tim Ream and Najar for ROY, I thought Najar was the best rookie since Jozy yet there was strong support for Ream for reasons I don’t get. I wonder how many GM’s would select Ream over Najar this year if they were both available, I would guess that Najar would be the overwhelming choice.
(SBI-Thor, it’s easy for a fan to suggest that a team should go for a long-term project, but it’s a win-now game which is why teams will often times go for the player who is ready now. Salgado is considered more of a long-term prospect, not a player who can come in and make an impact in year one. That’s why he’s not rated more highly. If it were about pure potential upside then Salgado would be much higher, but the Big Board measures value right now. It’s not an exact science obviously but I feel like we’ve developed a pretty good system.)
My bad ,you are corect Najar was signed out of DC United’s academy.
(SBI-Just because I thought Tim Ream deserved Rookie of the Year over Najar does NOT mean I rate older players over younger players. That’s silly, especially when you’re talking about evaluating draft talent. Younger is always better, at least when you’re talking comparable players. Upside is the name of the game.)
Salgaldo to Vancouver at 8 is my guess- DC wants defense, Chivas needs some instant improvement, Philly already has tons of youth up front, Revs maybe, Dynamo don’t seem to value 1st round picks and that leaves Vancouver sitting at 8 just like Union last year with #6 for Jack Mac
What are the odds the Sounders could move up a few spots in Round 1? They have three picks in Round 2, and that seems like too many given the current state of their roster. They could possibly swap places with Houston in Round 1 for one of the 2nd Round picks, as Houston has just the one pick and could use the bodies.
It does seem you are on to something…I would guess one of the first round teams said this is our guy and he needs to be in the draft..and even though I would die for Harvey to get some competition I would guess it is a West Coast team that gets to see Tetteh more often that insisted he be included..is there a team in the 1st round with only one early pick in the draft like Columbus last year bc if that was the case they would probably be more insistent in getting the one player they want?
Early indications are Nagbe is going #1, and my Timbers could very well look to Kitchen rather than Salgado. Salgado might have the higher upside, but he is also the person teams need to be able to wait and let him develop. For that reason, I could easily see him slipping out of even the top 3.
Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but Andy Najar wasn’t in the draft last year, he signed out of DCU’s academy as a Home Grown player. Not saying your over-all point is not valid(I have no opinion on it), but your facts appear to be a bit off.
Omar Salgado is the best player in the draft and will go #1 or #2 Just like Najar was the best player last year Ives tends to give older players older players an edge over the youngsters. Teams ignoring the best talent for older players are being short sighted imho
(SBI-How on earth do I give older players an edge over youngsters? Gotta love completely incorrect statements like that being tossed around. Najar wasn’t in the draft in 2010. He was a Homegrown player. And in case you didn’t notice, Perry Kitchen is 18 and the No. 1 player on this Big Board, so much for me favoring older players.)
Will the next version of the draft board show the current owner of each draft slot and consider their needs, e.g. Chicago needs a boatload of defensive help? Obviously, you can’t guess as to trades and other jockeying for position, but the Board needs to reflect the drafting team and its needs, even though there will be times a team takes the best available player and then uses them as trade bait.
(SBI-That’s what Mock Drafts are for.)
What, no John Rooney?
I think the Union take Tetteh. Nowak always talks about wanting competition at every spot. Harvey played nearly every minute last year and lb is the shallowest position at the moment. Add in the fact that he was added as a last minute GA (Mwanga anyone) and this has Nowak fingerprints all over it.