The New England Revolution have had poor drafts over the last few seasons, but broke the trend this year by adding a trio of solid defenders.
The New England Revolution have been notorious for drafting poorly over the past years. Their first-round picks are often lackluster or unused fringe players at best. Whatever goes on in the “war-room” on draft day in New England, there’s a lack of scouting and development when it comes to the SuperDraft.
This year, the Revs had leverage in the first round with picks 8 and 9 to select among one of the most star-studded draft classes in SuperDraft history. And, like clockwork, the Revs drafted players who aren’t yet up to par for MLS. Both Brandon Bye and Mark Segbers are terrific young prospects but were each projected to be taken in the late first or early second round.
Bye and Segbers are players who will require loan stints with USL squads to develop further. New England is one of very few teams in the MLS without a USL affiliate. This has been a major problem in years past for New England’s young talent.
Over the past three drafts, New England’s first-round picks have not panned out as expected. In 2016, defender Jordan McCrary was slated to be a major contributor for the Revs but was cut from the squad after one season. Last year, forward Brian Wright was taken as a reinforcement for a potent Revs offense. Aside from a few cameo appearances, Wright was a non-factor.
Now, Bye and Segbers enter the squad in 2018 undeveloped but with high expectations. Selected further ahead than anticipated, Bye and Segbers now must slot into a rebuilding team as key contributors.
Missed Opportunity
The Revs had chances to select other top talents that had slid down the order, yet went a different route. In some mock drafts, Bye wasn’t even seen as a first rounder, yet the Revs made him the eighth pick. One of the most athletic players in the draft, Bye has the potential and versatility to fill a utility role in MLS.
Bye will likely be a right back when his position is finally solidified. However, he is athletic enough to play on the right wing as well. The Revs needed to add depth defensively and did so by selecting Bye.
New England, however, could have added depth at center back by selecting Dartmouth College defender Wyatt Omsberg. The 6-foot-4 defender had an excellent combine. His athleticism could have allowed him to fit in seamlessly with the Revs system.
New England took Mark Segbers with the ninth pick. An out-and-out right back, who could immediately contest for that role against Andrew Farrell. Both Bye and Segbers will be able to develop under Farrell and newly acquired left back Gabriel Somi.
Late Round Rescue
Despite failing to add a center back to in the first round, New England selected a quality one late in the fourth round. Florida Gulf Coast and Guatemala U20 product Nicolas Samayoa could potentially be the next diamond in the rough selection for New England. The Revs have been one of few MLS teams to have success at drafting late-round products.
In 2016, it was Femi Hollinger-Janzen, while last year was Josh Smith. This year, the 6-foot-2 Samayoa could absolutely be a part of the Revs rotation immediately and his presence adds major depth at center back.
Although the Revs didn’t use the last pick to add an attacking piece, selecting Samayoa was extremely wise for a team in need of a strong defense. The news to watch for in the week ahead is around reports of the Revs adding a “very exciting” DP attacking player pending a medical.
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New England has filled out their roster accordingly, adding not only youth but experience with a player like Samayoa at the back.
Overall, the club ended up having a rather successful draft. However, until the three new players feature in a game, the real results remain in question.