Dynamo Theory Select 3 in 2017 Mock MLS SuperDraft

Dynamo Theory was a part of the SB Nation MLS blogs to participate in a Mock 2017 MLS SuperDraft. I was lucky enough to be the person to do the selecting on behalf of DT. I think I did alright given specific needs the Dynamo have and where I think things can be built up in the future.

In this mock draft I tried to weigh my choices based on two criteria: needs and quality available. I knew the Dynamo were largely set in the forward position given Cubo coming back, Mauro Manotas, and signings of Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto. That focused my attention to the backline- which was not something to be proud of last year, and the midfield. So here were my picks in the SB Nation mock draft:

Pick #4: Jackson Yueill, M, UCLA:

As the Houston Dynamo continue to change their identity under new Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, Jackson Yueill seems to be a fit. His combined experience with the US U-20s, versatility across the midfield – specifically his creativity in midfield, along with his penchant to push forward make him a compliment to the forward corps developing under Cabrera led by Mauro Manotas and by Erick Torres. Yueill’s versatility will mean minutes, but his natural ability in central midfield as a potential box-to-box midfielder will guarantee depth behind the aging, but reliable, Ricardo Clark, and Alex Lima.

With a Generation Adidas tag attached, Yueill was an easy pick at the 4^th pick in the draft, and with the Dynamo in a clear “change things” mentality, Yueill can easily fit in and compete for minutes with veterans and newcomers alike in this league given his level of creativity.

Pick # 30: Liam Callahan, LB, Syracuse:

With DaMarcus Beasley’s status up in the air, backing up newly acquired left back Dylan Remick with a LB that naturally gets forward could support Cabrera’s system well. Callahan has a history in the midfield of play and can provide support moving up the field. He has a penchant for contributing assists which seems to lend itself towards the attacking brand of soccer that Cabrera would like. The fact is the Dynamo need LB depth other than Jalil Anibaba (the tentative RB at the moment) and Callahan could provide that.

Pick #36: Jakob Nerwinski, CB, UCONN:

The Dynamo have some depth at positions, especially at CB, but Nerwinski provides a long term solution in Cabrera’s system. He’s a center back that is incredibly good at providing service where he ranked fourth in the AAC in assists his senior year – which is pretty good for a CB. He’s athletic, a leader as a co-captain at UCONN – which has a very solid program, and has been able to provide goal scoring as well. Possibly bound for Rio Grande Valley FC Toros if selected, he can still provide competition for chances given his footwork and ability to lead a line.

The Entire Draft:

These were my picks, but if you thought I should have picked someone or missed someone, here is the entire list of picks made.

Round 1

1 (MIN) Jeremy Ebobisse

2 (ATL) Miles Robinson

3 (CHI) Brandon Aubrey

4 (HOU) Jackson Yueill

5 (CLB) Abu Danladi

6 (SJ) Nick DePuy

7 (VAN) Shamit Shome

8 (ATL) Jacori Hayes

9 (CLB) Chris Odoi-Atsem

10 (POR) Jonathan Lewis

11 (CHI) David Goldsmith

12 (DC) Julian Gressel

13 (RSL) Reagan Dunk

14 (SKC) Niko Hansen

15 (COL) Brian Wright

16 (SEA) Daniel Johnson

17 (NY) Walker Hume

18 (DAL) Colton Storm

19 (MTL) Brian Nana-Sinkam

20 (NE) Justin Schmidt

21 (TOR) Kwame Awuah

22 (SEA) Adonijah Reid

Round 2

23 (MIN) Eric Klenofsky

24 (COL) Zeiko Lewis

25 (MIN) Francis De Vries

26 (TOR) Chris Nanco

27 (TOR) Wuilito Fernandes

28 (SJ) Christian Thierjung

29 (VAN) Mike DeGraffenreidt

30 (HOU) Liam Callahan

31 (NE) Lalas Abubakar

32 (POR) Jordan Wilson

33 (PHI) Jorge Gomez Sanchez

34 (DC) Connor Maloney

35 (RSL) Nazeem Bartman

36 (HOU) Jakob Nerwinski

37 (DAL) Alec Ferrell

38 (NYC) Keith Traut

39 (NY) Austin Ledbetter

40 (DAL) Tanner Thompson

41 (MTL) Michael Amick

42 (PHI) Tucker Hume

43 (DC) Robert Sagel

44 (SEA) Souheib Dhaflaoui

Who do you think the Dynamo should draft? Let us know in the comments below!