The 2015 MLS SuperDraft is right around the corner, and while it might not feature the type of big name prospects we have seen in past years, this draft is considered much deeper as a whole. That means there is a level of security for Orlando City SC and New York City FC when they step to the podium to make the top two picks in this year’s draft. While there is no clear cut top pick, both teams will feel comfortable with whomever they take. Here is a look at the top five players in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.
1. Cyle Larin – F (Connecticut)
Orlando City could go a variety of different ways with this pick but after Georgetown defender Joshua Yaro was taken off the board, it’s more likely they will turn to a forward. That being the case, the consensus best available player on the board in Larin. Many feel that Larin is still at least one or two years away from being a full-time starting forward but he will be able to contribute off the bench immediately and he could eventually blossom in to the star striker that Orlando City can build around. Factor in that a number of teams – including Toronto FC and Montreal – would covet a homegrown player, it makes Orlando City more likely to take Larin first overall knowing that other teams are interested in trading established assets in order to acquire him. Taking Larin is a good choice if they keep him and gives them options if they want to get something for him.
2. Nick Besler – M (Notre Dame)
The one other player that Orlando City would have to take a long look at with the No. 1 pick is the standout midfielder Besler. The younger brother of Sporting Kansas City defender and U.S. International Matt Besler, Nick has established himself as a legitimate threat to go first overall. He’s the complete package in the middle and a player that could be ready to start from the outset. The Notre Dame captain has all of the qualities a team would look for in a young franchise player to build around and New York City FC would have to be thrilled about the prospect of taking him if he doesn’t go first to Orlando City.
3. Khiry Shelton – F (Oregon State)
Another NSCAA All-America Second Team player this year, Shelton was named PAC-12 Player of the Year after leading Oregon State to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2003. The Beavers forward scored a career-high 10 goals with 12 assists this past season and is exactly the type of skilled scorer that Montreal would love to have available to them at No. 3.
4. Cristian Roldan – M (Washington)
Roldan is best suited to play in the midfield but his pure scoring ability makes him a threat to move up front after he scored plenty of goals last season. Considered one of the top prospects in the country behind only Yaro at the beginning of the year, there is no doubt that Roldan will be made a top 10 pick with a chance he could go as high as No. 4 when the San Jose Earthquakes select. They’ll covet the opportunity to add a versatile player they could ultimately develop as a hybrid midfield/forward.
5. Dan Metzger – D (Maryland)
One player that could be much better than he is given credit for is Metzger, who could very well end up developing in to one of the better players from this class. A defender that is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder as well, Metzger is good enough to come off the bench in his first year and is considered by many a lock to turn in to an everyday starter eventually. Portland moved up to this spot by trading forward Danny Mwanga to Colorado and they could decide to address their offense with this pick, but if they play it safe and take the best available player, it’s likely Metzger goes in this spot.
