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2017 MLS SuperDraft Rounds 1 & 2 Analysis: Colorado Rapids

By Sean Curtis

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The Colorado Rapids made one pick in each of the first two rounds of the MLS Superdraft as they attempted to improve on their great 2016 season.

The Rapids came into the 2017 MLS Superdraft on Friday with the 15th and 24th pick. There were many rumors surrounding the team about trying to move up in the draft to get one of the elite offensive players available, but the Rapids ultimately ended up sitting on their two picks and, surprisingly, bolstering their back end.

Sam Hamilton

Position: Midfield

School: Denver University

The Rapids used the 15th pick in the first round of the draft to pick up a hometown player. Hamilton, a 6-foot-tall midfielder, is from Evergreen, Colorado, and he played his college ball just outside of downtown at Denver University. In his senior season, he was part of the core group of players that led the Pioneers to the College Cup and got named to the Summit League First Team along the way. Across his career, Hamilton received 83 caps (57 starts) while tallying 3 goals and 13 assists.

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Being a local player, the Rapids are bound to have a leg-up on scouting him compared to the rest of the MLS. As a result, they must have liked what they saw. Hamilton is likely to play something of a number 6 role in the professional world, and he provides some much needed depth at that position for the Rapids. In their 4-2-3-1 formation, it is still likely that Michael Azira and Sam Cronin remain the first choice starters, but look for Hamilton to battle Dillon Powers to be first choice backup.

He is very good at battling for position, especially with 50-50 balls, and he also brings a knack for hitting accurate long passes. Both of these traits will serve him well if he does play in one of the two pivot roles. Some of his highlights can be found here:

The Rapids were able to add some depth to a thin position while getting a player who fits their system and should be able to make the transition smoothly to his hometown team.

Grade: A

Liam Callahan

Position: Defender

School: Syracuse

With the second pick of the second round the Rapids took Callahan, a left wingback by trade. The 5′ 9″ player from Amherst, NY started 18 of the 19 games he played in his senior year while tallying two goals and one assist. Callahan really made a name for himself his junior year when he managed one goal and nine assists.

It appears the Rapids drafted Callahan as more of a LB than a LM, so he is walking into a situation where the Rapids already have solid depth. Mark Burch is still playing like a solid MLS starter and Mekeil Williams is likely to remain the first choice backup at both RB and LB. As a result, I only see Callahan ending up with some playing time if there are injuries to Burch or Williams. The two things Callahan does have going for him, however, is age and playing style. At 32, Burch only has so many years left in his career. Also, Callahan loves getting forward and hitting crosses, something the Rapids look for as a team that plays with overlapping fullbacks.

Looking at his highlights, the number one thing that sticks out is Callahan’s ability to hit dangerous balls into the box.

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The Rapids were able to use their second round pick to get a talented player with a bright future in a position with an aging stater. This all points to a solid second round pick.

Grade: A

Moving forward, I would look for the Rapids to sign some offense in the transfer window. If they don’t it could be another very low scoring season.

More 2017 MLS Draft Analysis:

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