2017 MLS SuperDraft: What NYCFC should do in Rounds 1 & 2

With the 2017 MLS SuperDraft less than 24 hours away, it’s time to start analyzing  and in this case, we’re going to look at NYCFC.

Like most drafts in every sports league, the first and second rounds are the most crucial, especially in the MLS. Even sometimes a first round draft pick gets a handful of chances to show his worth during their rookie season.

With NYCFC, we’ve seen them draft talent in Khiry Shelton, who went second overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Shelton has made his mark on the team and is likely still part of Patrick Vieira’s plans in 2017.

In last year’s draft, NYCFC was stuck with one lone pick and there was a lot worry on how the club would go about it, especially with Vieira at the helm for the first time ever. NYCFC made a swift move to grab the number one overall pick Jack Harrison and the rest is history.

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If you want to compare NYCFC’s draft history, after the acquisition of Harrison, you can’t really doubt them and their ability to spot talent. What you could doubt and judge is their past business in the MLS Draft.

For example, in this year’s upcoming draft, NYCFC will have to wait until the second round with the 38th pick. Thanks to a trade they made back in 2015 to the Seattle Sounders for you know who, Kwadwo Poku, Vieira and NYCFC will have to sit at their desk and not make any moves during the first round.

Like last year, NYCFC will have to make a smart decision due to a lack of early selections. The club should either grab a defender, or pull something from under it’s sleeve and that’s make some trades. History has shown us that NYCFC loves to deal draft picks for either money or international slots.

Vieira and Claudio Reyna have two picks to play with and those are in Round 2 and Round 3. Round 4 was traded away back in December of 2015 to the Union for Ethan White.

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Round 2 matters the most and the way this draft is looking, NYCFC needs to snag a young defender. If Trevor Haberkorn is still available by the end of the second round, Vieira should pull the trigger as he is a versatile defender that could even move in a defensive midfielder role.

Part of the United Stated U-20 squad a few years back, Haberkorn has certain abilities that MLS teams can benefit from, including NYCFC.