The 2022 MLS SuperDraft came and went last week, and through the rounds, Nashville SC made two selections – having opted to pass later on.
The men in yellow have added Ahmed Longmire, a centerback from UCLA, and Will Meyer, a goalkeeper out of Akron.
Let’s take a look at what those additions mean, and if either player can make it into the first team in the 2022 season.
Ahmed Longmire
This first-round pick took a strange detour to fall into Nashville’s hands. The Colorado Rapids acquired the spot in a trade with LAFC, and on the day of the draft Nashville swapped some cash for the pick.
Nashville SC made two selections in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft
As a centerback, Longmire would fit into a defensive corps that includes staples like Walker Zimmerman and Dave Romney. Longmire will most likely have to compete for a spot with Josh Bauer — a former Atlanta United draft pick — and Gary Smith has proven his focus on defensive structure, so a spot earned will carry more weight if Longmire finds himself on the teamsheet.
Will Meyer
Hailing from Ohio, Meyer played last season with the University of Akron. Last season he played in 18 matches and logged six clean sheets. This also keeps Nashville’s record of drafting a goalkeeper in every SuperDraft it has taken part in.
Both of these picks punctuate Smith’s defensive emphasis, and give weight to the idea that he still does not feel confident in the depth at the goalkeeper spot. Meyer’s selection could provide Smith with a long-term option in net once 33-year-old Joe Willis rounds out his career. Or — at a minimum — it can provide a bit of competition for the spot.
Rather than making draft selections out of necessity, Nashville has made a statement with these two picks that these additions can compete for open spots in the squad. Longmire finds himself with the potential for a starting position in a back-three and Meyer can position himself to become a no.1 while learning under the current starter.
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