2013 MLS SuperDraft Mock Draft v 1.0

by J.R. Eskilson & Travis Clark

November 16, 2012

ORDER	TEAM	NAME	COLLEGE	POS	HEIGHT	WEIGHT
1		Walker Zimmerman *	Furman	D	6-3	185
The U.S. U20 center back would fit the Paul Mariner mold -- big, strong and athletic, Zimmerman is equipped with the physical tools to step in and compete for minutes right away, even at the age of 19.
2		Eriq Zavaleta *	Indiana	F	6-1	185
It’s impossible to predict what will happen with Chivas USA at the moment, given the recent comments from the owner and upheaval in the dressing room. But Zavaleta would be too good to pass up, considering his background at the club, even though the club already has a few promising young strikers.
3		Mikey Lopez *	North Carolina	MF	5-8	160
Caleb Porter could not ask for a better player with his first pick in charge of the Timbers. The U.S. U20 Men’s National Team midfielder is hard-working, skillful, and determined to succeed at the next level.
4		Andre Blake *	Connecticut	MF	6-4	175
With Matt Reis getting up there in age -- and possibly not being brought back for next season -- by bringing in Blake, the Revolution pick up a ‘keeper for the future, and possibly a starter for 2013.
5		Dillon Powers	Notre Dame	MF	5-11	172
The box-to-box midfielder provides depth in this spot for the Whitecaps, as he’s a ready-to-go MLS prospect.
6		Jose Gomez	Creighton	MF	5-9	155
The classy midfielder would fit well into what Oscar Pareja is trying to do with the Rapids. Note here that if Dillon Serna signs a homegrown deal, it could alter what Colorado does with this pick. Regardless, Gomez needs a coach like Pareja in order to find his feet in MLS.
7		Chris Thomas	Elon	F	6-0	191
At times lacking for forward options up top, Thomas offers speed and strength to improve the club’s depth in the attack. He can step in and play minutes right away as well.
8		Patrick Mullins *	Maryland	F	6-1	172
The ACC Offensive Player of the Year has come a long way in his three seasons at Maryland. With the ability to play up front and on the wings, Mullins’ versatility is one of many reasons Montreal snatch him here.
9		Ashton Bennett	Coastal Carolina	F	5-9	167
MLS is built on speed and power. Bennett has both. There are a few parts of his game that are a bit raw, but he is capable of playing at the next level thanks to his athletic prowess.
10		Akiel Barrett *	Tulsa	F/MF	5-7	130
After riding the pine with Akron for two seasons, Barrett found a new home in Oklahoma and plenty of opportunities to shine. With electric pace and good skill, Barrett tore apart a pretty good SMU defense in the Conference USA Championship last week. It was a small sampling of what he is capable of if he decides to make the jump this season.
11		John Stertzer	Maryland	MF	6-0	170
Not a lot of changes are expected for the Fire this offseason, and by picking Stertzer, they get a central midfielder ready to compete for minutes in the central of the park, or even out on the flanks if necessary.
12		Jack Bennett	St. John's	D/MF	5-8	140
The offseason chatter seems to suggest next year’s Real Salt Lake squad will look a lot different from this season’s team, which means building from the draft will be important. With Bennett, RSL is adding a versatile player with toughness and skill.
13		Eric Schoenle	West Virginia	D	6-2	147
Depth at the back is never a bad thing, and the Mountaineer center back will have time to adjust to the pro level behind experience central defenders Andre Hainault and Bobby Boswell.
14		Ryan Hollingshead	UCLA	MF/F	6-1	180
Sporting Kansas City has a scout devoted to the West Coast, so they always do their homework before draft day. In Hollingshead, they are picking a versatile player with experience who can handle the rigors of MLS.
15		Carlos Alvarez	Connecticut	MF	5-10	160
In the same vein as Rafael Baca, Alvarez provides a midfield option who can pull the strings from the middle of the park.
16		Will Bates	Virginia	F	6-0	185
Ben Olsen certainly won’t mind if the dangerous Bates falls to D.C. in the draft. Bates is a physical forward ready to mix it up at the next level.
17		Machael David	UCSB	MF	5-8	160
Even though the Sounders are still waiting on their last Gauchos draft pick (Michael Tetteh) to pan out, it should not deter the Washington club from going after a pro-ready player like David. The mature center midfielder could add a bite to the center of the field for the Sounders.
18		Blake Smith	New Mexico	MF	5-10	150
Dom Kinnear loves his wingers, and Smith offers a direct attacking threat with his ability to get behind the defense and whip in crosses.
19		Joe Franco	CSUN	D	5-9	150
Franco could be the next Sean Franklin...alright, it is a long shot given the differences between the two, but the Northridge product is a solid outside back with decent skill.