2017 MLS SuperDraft Round 1 & 2 Analysis: NYCFC

After another whacky and surprising MLS SuperDraft, we take a look and grade New York City F.C’s choices in 2017.

New York City F.C. has only done this drafting business for three years, for Patrick Vieira, he’s still adapting to this business. However, for a second year in a row, Vieira and the NYCFC board did the unthinkable in this year’s MLS SuperDraft.

Before going into the draft, NYCFC was stuck with two lone picks, one in the second and another in the third round. In the MLS, the first two rounds are crucial and somehow, NYCFC left Los Angeles on Friday with three new players.

They’ve made a trend of trading picks, especially with the Chicago Fire after NYCFC gave $250,000 in general allocation money for the third overall pick. This is the second year in a row where NYCFC has felt with the Fire in the SuperDraft.

Jonathan Lewis

Position: MidFielder

School: Akron

Vieira decided to go with another midfielder in the draft and a speedy winger that believes could easily adapt into his system. The Florida native only had one year under his belt in Akron, but was named Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year. Appearing 22 times, Lewis was in the starting line-up for 20 of them and found the net twice.

What most likely attracted Vieira to Lewis is his ability to find his teammates as in his Freshman year, Lewis tallied up 12 assists and in 22 games, that’s not a bad ratio. Lewis was also called up to the USA Men’s U-20 training camp, just another impressive slot on his resume.

There’s clearly something about Lewis that Vieira needs for this NYCFC squad and if he’s anything like his new teammate Jack Harrison, this young duo could do some damage on the wings.

Grade: A

Kwame Awuah

Position: Midfield/Defense

School: UConn

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Originally, the 16th pick was in the hands of NYCFC, but was given away to the Seattle Sounders two years ago for Kwadwo Poku. Evidently, NYCFC bit the bullet on this one and spent $75,000 in GAM to get it back from the Sounders and with it, they drafted the 21-year old Kwame Awuah.

The Canadian born midfielder is known to be versatile on the left side and could play every position on the left side. Similar to Ronald Matarrita if you could get an image and we all know how Matarrita adapted into Vieira’s style.

Having been called up to the Canadian national team as well, Awuah started in all 19 games for the Huskies in his senior year putting up seven assists and netting two goals.

Grade: B

Next: 10 Best Signings of the 2016 MLS Season

Jalen Brown

Position: Forward

School: Xavier

In the second round, the NYCFC board decided to stay put with the 38th pick and opted to go with Xavier’s Jalen Brown. Holding already three true forwards, Brown could be a solid back-up player that Vieira could use mid-season.

Playing all four years at Xavier, the 21-year old was crucial in their system especially in his senior year as he started in all 19 games in which he netted six goals while grabbing three assists.

During his collegiate career, Brown has picked up several honors dating all the way back in his Freshman year where he was named to the Big East Conference All-Rookie Team and a year later was named to the Big East Conference All-Tournament team.

Despite his impressive career with Xavier, Brown will have to show his worth and battle for his place in a challenging NYCFC forward position.

Grade: C

With Rounds 3 & 4 upon us, what else does NYCFC have up it’s sleeve?

More 2017 MLS Draft Analysis:

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