MLS SuperDraft Review: New England Revolution

The New England Revolution came into the MLS SuperDraft with a number of needs specifically at outside back, midfield, and depth at the wing positions. Some of these holes were created through needing upgrades (outside back) while others are caused by uncertainty with their players (the Jermaine Jones saga in the midfield).

Regardless New England is a team that could use an infusion of young talent because they aren’t content with the way that last season ended. New England fell short in the playoffs when they were eliminated by D.C. United in the knockout round. With the MLS SuperDraft now over we’re going to take a look into how New England did with filling those holes.

New England came into the SuperDraft with three picks in the draft. The Revolution held the 10th, 30th and 51st picks and also stayed away from the trade frenzy that swept the SuperDraft. Below we’re going to break down each pick:

Round 1 Pick 10:

In the first round the Revolution selected defender Jordan McCrary out of the University of North Carolina. McCrary played outside back in college and is expected to challenge immediately for a spot on New England’s back line. He brings a nice mix of speed and awareness to the back line.

McCrary’s biggest strength though is that he will be a threat at both ends of the pitch as, he is not afraid to overlap with wingers to offer an attacking threat. McCrary does come with injury concerns though, having had ACL surgery in 2014 but his long term potential outweighs the injury concern.

Round 2 Pick 30:

For the second round the Revolution decided to bolster their attacking options by picking Michael Gamble out of Wake Forest University. Gamble is listed as a forward but has no issues shifting into a wide role which is where he will be expected to contribute in New England. Gamble slid down draft boards mainly because of his size but he does have the speed and technical skills to thrive in New England’s system if given the chance. He will slot in as a backup winger but will have to impress in preseason training to show that he deserves rotation time.

Round 3 Pick 51:

In the third round with their final pick of the draft the Revolution selected Femi Hollinger-Janzen a forward out of Indiana. He was the leading scorer for the Hoosiers but as a third round pick his chances of making the roster are pretty slim. Hollinger-Janzen has the size to succeed but he will need a impressive preseason just to have a shot on making the team.

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The Revolution did a good job at finding value in the SuperDraft without giving up money or players to move around to get their guys. They may not have found a surefire starter or a replacement for Jermaine Jones but the Revolution have found players with potential to contribute from day one.