On the eve of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, let's take a quick look around the interweb and see who the experts have Whitecaps FC selecting with the seventh overall pick.
Edmonton native Shamit Shome's name has been floated around, as well as a pair of solid NCAA performers.
Who will the 'Caps pick? Only time will tell.
MLSSOCCER.COM: CHRIS ODOI-ATSEM (D, MARYLAND)
"There are, as it stands, a pair of highly rated right backs in this year's draft. Odoi-Atsem is not a game-breaker, and his skill with the ball needs polishing. But he's an excellent defender in space, covers from endline to endline, won't be overwhelmed by the athleticism of the league, and can be counted on to show up with 100% intensity every time out. Right back was such a hole for the 'Caps last season, I just can't see how they'd pass on a guy who can do a credible job of defending at that spot as a long-term backup or potentially even a starter. They got Sheanon Williams to occupy that spot in the first XI for the time being, but Odoi-Atsem could push him from Day 1." - Matthew Doyle, Armchair Analyst
SOCCER BY IVES: JACORI HAYES (M, WAKE FOREST)
"Hayes started all 25 games Wake Forest played in this season, leading the team with eight goals and 19 points while helping the Demon Deacons to the ACC Tournament championship, No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a national runner-up finish." - Wake Forest Athletics
TOP DRAWER SOCCER: SHAMIT SHOME (F/M, FC EDMONTON)
"The Generation adidas Canada signing is already a seasoned pro. While he perhaps lacks a clear position in MLS, Vancouver can jump at the chance to add a midfield piece." - Top Drawer Soccer
SB NATION: SHAMIT SHOME (F/M, FC EDMONTON)
"The Whitecaps obviously need help with scoring next season, however, it isn't likely they’ll be able to grab the type of immediate-impact player they so desperately need in the SuperDraft. Other areas of glaring need are right-back defensive mid, where Sheanon Williams and Matias Laba are solid starters, but it gets thin behind that. Shamit Shome could be a nice development project, and the Maple Leaf certainly doesn't hurt." - Jon Szekeres, Eighty Six Forever
Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft take place on Friday, January 13 starting at 12 p.m. PT. The draft, which will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will be streamed live on whitecapsfc.com/2017SuperDraft.
