Here are a few mock drafts for the upcoming MLS talent show in Los Angeles:
You’ll notice that most of the mocks have Jeremy Ebobisse and Abu Danladi going either Nos. 1 to Minnesota or 2 to Atlanta United. Both are speedy goal-scorers. Both are the types of players that, should they develop, can potentially be sold for a profit. Both are the types of players that can generate highlights and potentially ticket sales.
I don’t think Atlanta United will select either if available.
Part of my thinking is because the team has yet to do anything that would be considered traditional, other than perhaps signing Greg Garza as soon as it became apparent that he was interested in moving from LIGA MX to MLS.
I think Atlanta United will instead select Syracuse central defender Miles Robinson.
Here’s why:
Atlanta United isn’t in position to take many chances on signings because it has a roster to build and a desire to be competitive from day one. The picks they have in the first round need to be players who can make it into the 18.
MLS has a long history of goal-scorers taken high in the draft who haven’t worked out. Having said that, a few recent high picks (Cyle Larin) have done very well. Still, it’s harder to project how scorers in college will do as pros.
The team is thin at defense with just four players that are true defenders, plus a few more than can fill in if necessary.
Robinson, voted the ACC’s defensive player of the year, has the size (6-foot-2) and is versatile enough that he can play any of the four spots across the back. He started 17 games in 2016 and finished with a career-high nine points.
Defenders in general tend to have an easier time transitioning from college into the pros, according to Will Parchman . That would seem to make Robinson a safer bet as a player that can be penciled into the 18 for the home-opener against New York Red Bulls on March 5 at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium.
About the Author
