Joe Mauceri's 2012 MLS Mock Draft

December 19, 2011

**Please note that this is the opinion of Joe Mauceri. More opinions from other TopDrawerSoccer.com writers will be released as the draft nears. **

Typically, I don’t do mock drafts.

And I’m confident that this will be the worst of all 2012 Mock Drafts. Most are truly atrocious, but I endeavor to be a cut below them. I’m not as delusional as other projected mock drafts which believe that they have some inside knowledge or clairvoyance on the whims of MLS front offices.

Nevertheless, without the Generation Adidas players signed, I’m going to project who I think might be signed.

Click here to see Joe's complete 2012 MLS Draft Goalkeeper Rankings

* signifies a Generation Adidas player.

ORDER	TEAM	NAME	COLLEGE	POS	HEIGHT	WEIGHT
1		Darren Mattocks *	Akron	F	6-0	165
A quick forward who could be a difference maker that could lead the Impact for the next few years.
2		Andrew Wenger *	Duke	D/MF	6-0	185
The best overall player in the draft, demonstrating that he can play both forward and center back. I expect he’ll be a defensive midfielder for the Whitecaps. He’s a MLS all-star for the next decade.
3		Billy Schuler *	North Carolina	F	5-11	170
A quick forward who can create his own shot with exceptional dribbling skills.
4		Kelyn Rowe *	UCLA	MF	5-8	150
Slick ball handler who creates goal scoring chances with the ability to move effectively.
5		Luis Silva	UCSB	MF	5-11	163
Soft feet, sensational passer with vision. With Chivas USA’s pension for holding possession.
6		Matt Hedges	North Carolina	D	6-4	185
The best center back in the draft. Combining with Ike Opara will solidify the defense for years to come.
7		Taylor Kemp *	Maryland	D	5-11	153
With a defense that most resembles a colander, a talented left back that can get forward and, with his height, can help in the air.
8		Nick DeLeon	Louisville	MF/F	5-10	170
Strong player with technical skills. Plays hard going forward and getting back.
9		Tyler Polak *	Creighton	D	5-8	150
Small, speedy, tenacious left back with exceptional skills. Played with the Chicago Fire PDL club in the summer.
10		Ethan Finlay	Creighton	F	5-9	160
Lightning fast forward that can play midfield. Has a good scoring touch with honest work habits.
11		Carlos Alvarez *	Connecticut	F	5-10	160
A replacement for Bruno Guardo. With passing and vision, expected to play at the top of the diamond.
12		Austin Berry	Louisville	D	6-2	180
Strong leader who will help solidify the center back position with exceptional strength in the air.
13		Chris Estridge	Indiana	D	5-11	160
The best senior left back that can play midfield; equally adept with both feet.
14		Tony Cascio	Connecticut	MF	5-11	165
Strong wide midfielder with quality crossing.
15		Miguel Ibarra	UC Irvine	F/MF	5-7	135
Electric wide midfielder with guile and quickness. Insurance if Steve Zakuani doesn’t fully recover.
16		Eric Schoenle *	West Virginia	D	6-2	147
Goal scoring back with smart defending; excellent in the air.
17		Ryan Meara	Fordham	GK	6-4	185
Best goalkeeper in the draft. Heir apparent to Nick Rimando.
18		Kirk Urso	North Carolina	MF	5-11	175
Smart, physical player who can shoot from distance and combine to the wide players.
19		Andy Rose	UCLA	MF/D	6-2	170
Tall, intelligent defensive midfielder who has good feet to help with transitioning into the attack.