First example that pops into mind is Wondolowski. While he did play a couple games in his first year, he had a total of 5 minutes of playing time that season. His second year, he spread 198 total minutes across 6 games. So by the definition of "played games," he does fit the bill COMtnGuy and The Daily Wiz defined. But given how little he played and how little he did his first 6 years in the league, I think most people would've lumped him in the "wash out" category for all intents and purposes. Otherwise...the best example I have is Jordan Harvey, who didn't play a minute for the Rapids till '08, despite being drafted by us in '06. I wouldn't say there's many like him (I don't have the energy or resources to check all other players, either), but I would say it makes a case for a measure of patience.
Since 6 years are looked at and standard draftee contract is 4 years (from numerous sources) I think it's a fair review. I would expect that top 5 draftees should always have an immediate impact on team, because A) they are bad or "New" teams to get into this range, and B) These bottom five teams get to pick the creme of the draft. There will always be "late bloomers" or guys buried at their position on depth chart do to talent of top 18. That does not nullify this at all for me. I am a bit surprised at the drop between 1-10 and 11-20 slots and 21-30 & 31-38 slots show no difference really of what should be expected from these slots.
GA update per Ives, max will be 7 if Brown and Zavaleta sign: Signed GA deals: Mikey Lopez Andrew Farrell Walker Zimmerman J.J. Johnson Kekuta Manneh Offered GA deal not signed: DeShorn Brown Eriq Zavaleta (Expected to be CB in MLS)
Top Drawer Soccer's MLS Mock Draft 2.0 is out. They have us now picking Mikey Lopez. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/2013-mls-superdraft-mock-draft-v-20_aid28251 Note that they have Jason Johnson going at #12. I'd be surprised to see us pass him over if available. I think the previous version with Deshorn Brown is more likely.
This was up before , but like you said completely silly to draft another D-mid given formation and depth we have. Get Lopez in the right situation and he’ll flourish. This is what would happen if he ends up with Oscar Pareja and the Rapids, as the holding midfielder still needs time to transition to the next level but is likely to develop into a top-level player under Pareja in Colorado.
Look at Senior Forwards: http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/mls-prospects:-forwards_aid28301 Better stuff will be right after Combine (Jan 11-15), Superdraft is 17th
i could easily see eric zavaleta as a rapids draft pick http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/01/zavaleta-signs-generation-adidas-deal.html
The quoted part is pretty optimistic. Priority one is getting Pareja to develop into the kind of coach that can develop a guy into a top-level player. Until some evidence presents itself that he can do that, such predictions seem over the top.
Interesting part of it, is he a forward or CB? Wenger (2012) player at Forward last year right? From story: "Zavaleta, 20, helped lead Indiana to the 2012 NCAA title, scoring 18 goals during his sophomore season. A centerback who moves to forward before the 2012 season, Zavaleta projects as a central defender on the pro level and projects as a Top 10 pick in the 2013 MLS Draft."
Another mock, I think we will end up with a winger, just not familiar with any of these guys. 6. Colorado Rapids – *Deshorn Brown (Forward, Central Florida) If Johnson isn’t here, then Brown seems like a good fit as well. Texas-based youth striker Ketuha Manneh is another possibility as well given his age and lack of cap hit. Given the recent signing of a defender and some of the other moves that the Rapids have made, adding some depth up front to go along with Edson Buddle work for me. Brown gives them speed on the outside and also provides that potential punch off the bench that is key in a 4-3-3 set up. Other possibilities: Ketuha Manneh*, Erik Hurtado http://wvhooligan.com/2013/01/07/15299/2013-mls-superdraft-mock-draft-2-0/
Well, one more thing to chew over in the current post-season ennui: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/08/central-winger-draft-remains-undervalued-tool-mls Interesting that of the teams that had the highest percentage of minutes played by players that entered the league through the draft, SKC, Chicago, Colorado, Houston, and LAG, only the Rapids had a losing record.
Correlation to me is drafted players are cheaper, but only if they have ability to make the 18, allowing more money to be spent on remaining slots. If they become starters that is even more of an advantage.
MLS.com lists top 10 LB candidates. Sounds like stretch with "10" making the list. I am sure they have included some questionable candidates...any opinion on who are actually long-term valid LB possibilities? http://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft...raft-top-10-ranking-best-left-backs-available
#2 Kemp is from Denver, but as has pointed out, outside backs have terrible draft history. More college drafted Middies have made it as outside backs then guys who soley played position in college. Combine starts tomorrow so we will find out more about ability shortly.
Final list of 7 GA's for 2013 Superdraft Signed GA deals: Mikey Lopez Andrew Farrell Walker Zimmerman J.J. Johnson Kekuta Manneh DeShorn Brown Eriq Zavaleta
For the Rapids, adding Dillon Powers not a GA player to the mix, I would prioritize them thusly: Andrew Farrell Walker Zimmerman Eriq Zavaleta J.J. Johnson Dillon Powers Kekuta Manneh DeShorn Brown Mikey Lopez Certainly, 1 or more of these boys will be available to the Rapids. Moreover, I think this is a talent rich group, therefore, I would be hesitant about trading with TFC to move up. Now, I am very anxious for the Combine matches to begin. My hopes are much higher than they have been in years. I even believe that the Rapids may find a gem at 25 or 30.
Ives' Big Board 4.0 is out: http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/01/sbi-2013-mls-draft-big-board-version-4-0.html
Ives' Top 10 are: Andrew Farrell CB Walker Zimmerman CB Mikey Lopez M J. Johnson F Eriq Zavaleta F/D Deshorn Brown F Dillon Powers CM Carlos Alvarez CM Erik Hurtado RW/F Ryan Finley F A draft analysis: 1. TFC -- Andrew Farrell -- whether or not TFC keeps this pick, Farrell is projected to be #1 2. CHV -- Carlos Alvarez -- I read that his father played for Chivas Guadalajara, and with Chivas' looking to brand themselves for the Mexican market in L.A. this could be their pick. 3. TFC -- J. Johnson -- his stock seems to be rising as the best forward in the draft. 4. NER -- Walker Zimmerman -- NE needs back line help. 5. VAN -- This is the spot that hurts us, depending on who they pick. 6. COL -- We should have a shot at Zavaleta or Brown, the next two highest rated forwards at this pick, and either should be a strong pick with upside. We shouldn't be interested in Lopez or Powers, we have too many CM's.
And now mlssoccer.com has its mock draft up! It's three mocks in one! http://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft...occercoms-2013-mock-draft-pre-combine-edition Three different editors have the Rapids selecting J. Johnson, Deshorn Brown, and Eriq Zavaleta. I'm totally happy with those possibilities, with Johnson being my #1 choice at that slot after Farrell and Zimmerman leave the board. Oddly enough, only 1 editor has Johnson going in the top 5.
Bigchil above gave a link: "Ives' Big Board 4.0 is out: http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/01/sbi-2013-mls-draft-big-board-version-4-0.html " Ives' description of Zavaleta seems to answer your question: "One of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. Originally a highly-regarded central defender, Zavaleta moved to forward as a sophomore at Indiana and promptly turned into a goal-scoring force who helped lead the Hoosiers to a national title. Despite his goal-scoring ways, more teams see him as a long-term centerback option. He is only 19, and at an athletic 6-foot-1, Zavaleta is an aerial force who will be a good bet to be a Top Ten selection." And the whole Ives list is an interesting read. I have not seen many mock drafts yet but the MLS one is a bit intriguing. Given the Rapids need to replace Omar's speed, both Hardbottle ("already" aquired) and Deshon Brown (listed on Ives as #6) could be a good pair of answers to that. I do find the Manneh kid to be very intriguing too, as Marx has explained more than once.