MLS coaches and general managers have come to a general consensus on the talent pool on display at the MLS Combine over the weekend. While there may not be as much in the way of elite-level prospects, the 2012 MLS Draft class is a deep one filled with players capable of making MLS rosters and contributing as rookies right away.
While most of the top prospects on display lived up to their billings, a second tier of draft candidates put on strong showings to leave coaches and general managers feeling great about being able to address needs when the draft kicks off on Thursday.
The center back position has emerged as a particularly deep one in this draft, though the attacking midfield position remains the one with the most elite options.
Teams looking for fullback help can’t be feeling good about the showings by the ones in this draft pool. There are a few who haven’t hurt their stock, but far more have struggled to impress, including some of the more highly-regarded options.
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of who has stood out, and who has struggled, at the MLS Combine with one more set of matches to go before Thursday’s MLS Draft:
GOALKEEPERS
Ryan Meara and Chris Blais have established themselves as the top two goalkeeper prospects in the draft and both have shown well in the combine. Meara has been steady and a good organizer, while Blais has made the best saves of the Combine.
DEFENDERS
The crop of center backs has been especially impressive, with several of the draft's elite playing well. Louisville's Austin Berry has been steady and established himself as a first-round talent, while UConn's Andrew Jean-Baptiste has impressed MLS coaches with his strength and composure at a young age. North Carolina's Matt Hedges, the highest-rated center back at the Combine when the event began, has struggled at times, but should still be one of the first central defenders drafted.
High praise: UConn defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste's size and strength impressed many MLS scouts. (Photo from MLSsoccer.com)
Creighton's Andrew Duran boosted his draft stock by not only showing good skill and defensive qualities out of the back, but also versatility to play well both as a center and right back. Aaron Maund has shown all the qualities to be a first-round pick in central defense.
The Combine's left back pool has been largely disappointing with Tyler Polak struggling badly and Indiana's Chris Estridge having noticeable lapses at times. Hunter Jumper has been the biggest beneficiary of those struggles and established himself as the top left back prospect in the eyes of several clubs.
At right back, Mykell Bates has had a rough Combine to say the least. He will need a strong showing on the final day to avoid slipping out of the draft after having initially projected to be a late first-round pick. Aubrey Perry of South Florida and R.J. Allen of Monmouth, haven’t done much to distinguish themselves either. In fact, the biggest winner at right back is probably West Virginia’s Raymon Gaddis, a quality prospect who didn’t even get an invitation to the MLS Combine.
At the left back position, Tyler Polak has been the most disappointing Generation adidas signing of the bunch. He was beaten badly on the opening day, improved on the second day, but still has some issues. MLS coaches still think he is a strong prospect because he is young and a natural left back, so don’t expect him to fall too far.
Chris Estridge hasn’t had a good Combine at left back, leaving Virginia’s Hunter Jumper as the best left back at the Combine. Mexican Glenir Garcia has shown some flashes, and a strong finish on Tuesday could secure him a place in the second round.
MIDFIELDERS
Luis Silva and Kelyn Rowe have been two of the most impressive players at the Combine, both showing the playmaking ability that has them looking like safe bets to go early in the draft. Rowe was already considered a top 3-4 prospect, but Silva has really impressed scouts with his quickness and dynamic play on the ball.
Enzo Martinez hasn’t had as many signature moments as Silva and Rowe, but he has impressed teammates and opponents with his composure and soccer mind. He should still be a high first-round pick, and just might crack the top five with a strong showing on the final Combine match day.
Callum Mallace has caught the eye of several scouts with his motor and two-way midfielder qualities. Of the pure defensive midfielders, Kirk Urso has shown the poise and engine of a four-year starter for one of the nation’s top programs. Greg Jordan has also done well, but the Creighton is still probably ranked behind Urso and UCLA’s Andy Rose.
Perhaps the best international player in the Combine has been Japanese playmaker Kohei Yamada, who’s quickness and technical savvy has clearly impressed some teams. He doesn’t seem likely to go in the first round considering some of the other attacking midfield talent in the pool, but someone will spend a draft pick on him hoping he is this year’s Joao Plata.
On the flanks, Sam Garza has been the most impressive wing player, with his speed and creativity making him tough to contain. Ethan Finlay was more a pure forward in college, but he looked good playing a wide role, scoring a hat trick in his first appearance of the Combine. Finlay enjoyed an outstanding college career, but came into the Combine with questions about whether that success could translate to the pros. If he has another strong day on Tuesday, Finlay could play himself into the first round.
On the wing: UC Santa Barbara standout Sam Garza proved his worth during the 2012 MLS Combine. (Photo from MLSsoccer.com)
UConn’s Tony Cascio hasn’t really gotten going, but coaches are impressed with his size and mobility on the right wing. He has done enough to remain one of the drafts rising prospects.
Nick DeLeon came into the draft as a top left-wing option. Unfortunately, an injured quad muscle limited him in the opening Combine match and forced him to miss the second. Teams that have done their homework aren’t likely to drop him too far, but if he is going to solidify his status as one of the top seniors in this draft, he will need to show something on Tuesday.
English winger Jason Banton has shown some quickness, but hasn’t quite done enough to be considered a threat to be taken in the first round. Fellow international player Aldo Paniagua has been one of the better international players to surface at the Combine for some time.
FORWARDS
Casey Townsend has been the most impressive forward at the Combine. His quickness, nose for goal and ability to find threatening positions make him a clear-cut target for teams in need of a goal scorer. Chandler Hoffman has also impressed playing alongside Townsend, and his timely runs and finishing ability have helped boost his stock, as he came in as another prospect scouts weren’t sure would be an impact pro.
South Florida’s Dom Dwyer hasn’t quite made the impact as expected, but he followed up a dismal first match with a better second outing, flashing the athleticism and strength that troubled college defenders all year. Fellow Big East product Colin Rolfe of Louisville has also struggled to establish himself as a real threat.
