Editorial (January 11, 2017) – The 2017 MLS SuperDraft is this Friday (first and second round) and Tuesday (third and fourth round). The combine is already under way. A number of teams are ramping up for a busy week that could change their franchise for the better. But not the LA Galaxy. The draft may be taking place in in Los Angeles, but the Galaxy have only pick. You might as well watch paint dry on Friday and Tuesday.
LA Galaxy SuperDraft Preview: Might As Well Watch Paint Dry
The LA Galaxy’s finish in 2016 MLS Cup playoffs gave them the natural 15th pick in each of the SuperDraft’s four rounds. Last off-season, they traded away their 2nd and 3rd round pick to FC Dallas for goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. Last month, they traded their natural first round pick to the Colorado Rapids for the negotiation rights to Jermaine Jones.
That leaves the LA Galaxy with a single pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. The 15th pick in the fourth round (81st overall). Last year, five teams passed on their fourth round pick. Of the 15 players taken in last year’s fourth round, none are on active MLS rosters (senior or reserve). Nine were signed by USL teams. At least a third of them are not under contract with a team for 2017.
There are diamonds in the rough in the fourth round to be had. But in recent memory, it’s slim pickings. The Galaxy’s loan draft pick might be lucky to sign with LA Galaxy II and last more than a year. The front office might actually target a need for Los Dos and not take the senior team into account at all.
As it stands, it looks unlikely that the Galaxy will make any trades to move up in the draft. Fortunately for them, they have a plethora of academy players already in the system and several more on the way. MLS teams don’t rely on the draft. If any team doesn’t need to rely on it, it’s the Galaxy given their academy talent pool.
Galaxy fans might as well skip the draft this year. Look for a player who could make the Los Dos roster. But that’s about it.
