FIRST ROUND
1. Georgia Swarm- Lyle Thompson, Onondaga Redhawks, Albany Great Danes
If there was ever an obvious first overall pick, this is it. A team in a new location, the Swarm have an opportunity to pronounce Thompson as the face of the team- and it doesn’t hurt that his brother Miles, who was the second overall pick last season, is also a member of the Swarm. Add Johnny Powless who was acquired last season and you add even more to the Iroquois feel the Swarm have been developing. Lyle is one of the biggest names in lacrosse after achieving mass fame with his performance at Albany. If he can find NLL success, he can help steer this franchise in the right direction.
2. Rochester Knighthawks- Randy Staats, Six Nations Chiefs, Syracuse Orange
The Knighthawks are already draft winners because they get to pick almost anyone they want. This draft is so deep that any of the top five could have gone first overall in another year. Staats, who has starred with Syracuse, seems like a natural fit with the Knighthawks, however. In 2013 he scored a whopping 72 points with the Chiefs and he would be an excellent short term replacement for while Cody Jamieson is out with injury.
3. Georgia Swarm- Graeme Hossack, Brooklin Redmen, Lindenwood
Hossack is a player who himself could be a first overall selection. The Swarm need defense desperately and Hossack is the kind of defender you can build a franchise around, The entire Toronto Rock dynasty was based off of defense and Edmonton won last season thanks to their historic D. The Swarm have to replace Andrew Suitor and Hossack can become their franchise corner stone.
4. Calgary Roughnecks- Wesley Berg, Oakville Rock, Denver Pioneers
Berg could be a first overall pick in other years. In fact, if the Swarm wanted to, they could take him first overall. If he does end up in Calgary the Roughnecks would be thrilled. He can replace Scott Ranger on offense, who they never really did replace. Berg has an excellent lacrosse year, bringing the Pioneers to NCAA glory and leading them to it. He adds tons of depth to their offense unit on the right side of the floor.
5. Georgia Swarm- Jesse King, Victoria Shamrocks, Ohio State Buckeyes
If the Swarm end up with King, Hossack, and Thompson they’ve already won the draft. King helped bring the Shamrocks to a Mann Cup this season where he was second on the team in goals. He can make an impact immediately on the floor which is what the Swarm will need.
6. Georgia Swarm- Derek Searle, Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks
Searle is a late addition to this draft and this might be a reach, but with as many picks as the Swarm have they can take risks. He’s another defender, this time a righty compared to Hossack being a lefty, and the Swarm can really focus on rebuilding that unit which has fallen apart in recent years. Searle is a physical player and can add some thunder that they have missed after losing Suitor.
7. Calgary Roughnecks- Turner Evans, Peterborough Lakers, Ohio State Buckeyes
Evans is too good for the Roughnecks to pass up here even with them drafting Berg as well. Evans joins the left side with Curtis Dickson and Jeff Shattler that is already very deep but he can have a chance to sit back and develop as a player. Calgary had a rough 2015 but they still have a solid offense, and Evans can learn from it.
8. New England Black Wolves- Chad Tutton, Peterborough Lakers, North Carolina Tar Heels
Tutton was a part of Minto Cup winning teams with the Whitby Warriors and he went to the Mann Cup this season with the Lakers. A natural scorer, he adds more youth to a Black Wolves offense that is looking more and more veteran with Brett Bucktooth and Garrett Billings. Tutton should fit in right away and have a role with the team.
9. Rochester Knighthawks – Reilly O’Connor, Brooklin Redmen, Georgetown Hoyas
Once again, thanks to their incredible depth, the Knighthawks can pretty much do what they want with this draft. The lefty shooter had back-to-back 100 point seasons when he was in junior ball with Whitby and he also adds that winning dimension. He was one of the bright spots on a horrid Brooklin Redmen team this season, and he has always played up to his competition.
SECOND ROUND
10. Toronto Rock- Mitch De Snoo, Oakville Rock
This draft is ridiculously deep. The Rock already have a solid offense, even if Josh Sanderson does not return. That means they can work on filling out their aging defensive group and almost every projection sees Toronto taking De Snoo with this slot. Their connection with Oakville is apparent, and he is the best defender on the board at this time.
11. Buffalo Bandits – Jacob Ruest, Langley Thunder
The Bandits are going to be an interesting looking team in 2016. They’ve lost John Tavares and added Daryl Veltman, and they can use the draft to add even more. The depth of this draft shows its head again with Ruest left as a second round pick. The right side of their offense still lacks after Mark Steenhius and Dhane Smith, however, and Ruest could step in right away and help balance what has become a very left heavy roster.
12. Saskatchewan Rush- Anthony Malcolm, Langley Thunder
Malcolm has been on the rise as far as his draft stock goes. The Rush are already deep at almost every area so they can afford to make a few unorthodox picks, and with some development Malcolm could become an important part of their offense long term. They don’t know how Curtis Knight will bounce back, so any depth added is nice.
13. Calgary Roughnecks- Dan Taylor, Lehigh Mountain Hawks
Taylor’s stock has raised and it wouldn’t be surprising if he sneaked into the first round. Being a Calgary native, this selection makes a lot of sense for the Roughnecks to bolster their offense. The tall scorer doesn’t really fit a need, they might need some defense, but if Taylor is still on the board it seems like an obvious choice.
14. Rochester Knighthawks – Dan Lintner, Brooklin Redmen, Cornell Big Red
Lintner is another young player the Knighthawks can develop into a star. He dominated in junior ball with Whitby (just like the other Knighthawks pick in O’Connor) and he also had a good season with Brooklin, proving he can play with higher competition.
15. Calgary Roughnecks- Riley Quinlan, Peterborough Lakers
This is where the Roughnecks add to their defense. Quinlan is a player who had success with the Lakers this season while also spending time in Sr B. He’s a bit of a developmental project but has solid upside to be an Andrew McBride like defender.
16. Rochester Knighthawks- Brad Gillies, Oakville Rock
Gillies has seen his stock skyrocket over the NLL off season. He has some transition skills along with being a good defender, fitting right in with a Knighthawks offense that likes to move the ball. Gillies has the speed to become a defender similar to Ryan Dilks with defensive and offensive skills.
17. Toronto Rock- Mike MacDonald, Kitchener Waterloo Kodiaks
The Rock can do what they want with this draft. Their offensive depth is so ridiculous with Brett Hickey, Rob Hellyer, and Colin Doyle all healthy. They have an opportunity to select MacDonald, an offensive stud, and help him learn how to play in the NLL. He didn’t play much in 2015 but his talent is immense and seems like a perfect fit with the Rock.
18. Saskatchewan Rush- Thomas Hoggarth, Peterborough Lakers
Hoggarth is another defender to add to the Rush’s arsenal of what is already the top defense in the league. He’s a physical player but also has transition skills, fitting right in with how the Rush like their defensemen to play. He has some experience playing pro after he was with the Durham Turf Dogs of the Canadian Lacrosse League in 2015 and he played well. That showcase may have helped his value.
19. Vancouver Stealth- Brett Hawrys, Nanaimo Timbermen, Brampton Excelsiors
The Stealth offense is interesting. They now have Logan Schuss, who did shine when he joined the Stealth, but they still never filled the hole of Lewis Ratcliff. Hawrys had 206 points in his combined 54 junior games. His scoring ability is ridiculous, and the lefty is west coast based which is another advantage for the Stealth.
20. Georgia Swarm- Jordan Durston, Six Nations Arrows
Another Six Nations connection for the Swarm, Durston is another lefty competing to make their roster. Their entire team, but especially their offense, is young so they need options to compete for the spots they have left. Durston will push the first round picks and second year players. The lefty is versatile offensively, helping the Swarm with as many options as possible.
21. Vancouver Stealth- Justin Goodwin, New Westminster Salmonbellies
Goodwin finally helps the Stealth address their needs on defense. They’ve already done a lot this off season, adding Ian Hawksbee and Jeff Moleski, but the more depth the better for a team that has struggled on defense over the past few seasons. Goodwin is small for a defender but he does play a physical game and add some grit to a team that is rather finese.
THIRD ROUND
22. New England Black Wolves- Shayne Adams, Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks, Detroit Titans
Adams just adds more lefty depth to a Black Wolves roster with spots up for grabs. Two second year players are returning on the left side and the Black Wolves need scoring. He scored 40 points in 17 games as a rookie with the Oakville Rock, but he chose to play Sr B this summer which may have lowered him out of the second round.
23. Vancouver Stealth- Micheal Siedel, Langley Thunder
Seidel is another defender for the Stealth to work with. His biggest advantage is his massive 6’6 frame and his physical nature. You won’t see Seidel score many goals but he is as physical and defensive-minded as any defender comes. He might need to spend a year on the practice roster before he gets his shot with the Stealth, but it’s good for them to start focusing on building that unit now.
24. Calgary Roughnecks- Mike Triolo, Brooklin Redmen
Triolo is a beast. At 6’8 and 215 pounds, Triolo is arguably the most versatile player in the draft. The transition man is good in the faceoff dot and can help the Riggers replace Geoff Snider. Not only that, but he has offensive touch as well especially tight to the net. He could help make every part of the Roughnecks game better if he pans out on their roster.
25. Calgary Roughnecks- Patrick Corbett, Oakville Rock, Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks, Lehigh Mountain Hawks
The second Lehigh Mountain Hawk to go to the Roughnecks in this draft. Corbett is another righty they can work with for a year before implimenting him in full to the Calgary offense. Overall, the Roughnecks offense is somewhat thin, if not top heavy, and having Corbett and Taylor, who played together in college, is not a bad thing. Corbett can replace Sean Pollock on the right side and possibly emerge as their fourth option on that side.
26. Rochester Knighthawks- Greg Longboat, Six Nations Arrows
Longboat is another Arrows player for the Knighthawks to keep up with their trend. The defender is a three time Founders Cup champion with the Jr B Rebels and he could become a shut down defender in the league after just a few seasons. Longboat not only knows how to stop the other team but he can also run the floor, adding a versatile transition element to his game.
27. Buffalo Bandits- Bryce Sweeting, Peterborough Lakers
Sweeting is a physical defender the Bandits can add to help shore up their depth in what has been an offensive minded draft for them. They lost Derek Suddons to New England this off season, and while Sweeting won’t replace the veteran’s presence, he has a shot at making the roster and contributing.
28. New England Black Wolves- Philip Caputo, Brampton Excelsiors
Caputo would go much higher in another year’s draft. He’s a skilled offensive player which is just what the Wolves need. He has 58 points in 19 games and 23 points in nine playoff games with the Junior A Brampton Excelsiors in 2015. His offensive skills could develop in the NLL to become a top playmaker. He can score but his best skills are from an assist standpoint.
29. Toronto Rock- Kyle Aquin, Brooklin Redmen
Aquin adds depth to the left handed side of the Rock offense that might not return Sanderson and where Doyle is getting older. He could play right away depending on how camp goes for the Rock and if they sign Sanderson or not. If Sanderson isn’t there, or if Doyle gets banged up again, you can almost garauntee that Aquin will have a role right away in Toronto.
30. Saskatchewan Rush- Luc Magnon, Brampton Excelsiors
Magnon emerged as one of the Excelsiors’ top defenders in the 2015 MSL season. He played with fellow Rush player Chris Corbeil in the past and some of his skills seem to have rubbed off on Magnon. Magnon makes a lot of sense for a Rush team that prides themselves on defense and he could be their top defender of the future. He might not see regular time right off the bat but he has the ability to earn it down the road.
31. Saskatchewan Rush- Tyler Roche, Peterborough Lakers
More defense for the Rush. Roche is physical, lacking some of the transition skills that other defenders on the Rush have. He’s the best defender left on the board so the Rush may as well take him and work to mold him to play in a Derek Keenan defense.
FOURTH ROUND
32. Colorado Mammoth- Jeremy Roe, Nanaimo Timbermen
Colorado finally gets on the board in the fourth round with the 32nd pick. Roe is another defenseman in what is a very defense-heavy draft who the Mammoth can mold to fit their roster. Roe saw some valuable time with the Timbermen this season and proved he can compete at a high level. Since the Mammoth have so few picks, it makes sense to take a chance on Roe.
33. Vancouver Stealth- Dane Sorensen, New Westminster Salmonbellies
Sorensen is another defensive minded player to help the Stealth focus on that side of the ball but he also has some transition skills. He’s a point per game player despite having defensive skills.
34. Georgia Swarm- Charles Claxton, Victoria Shamrocks
The Swarm can become rather deep at goalie, a position they’ve historically struggled to find balance at. Zach Higgins is their starter and more than likely Brodie MacDonald will be the backup again, but adding Claxton and Grant Crawley can create some pressure at the position.
35. Calgary Roughnecks- Jordan Gillies, Delta Islanders
Gillies is a versatile player who should compete for a roster spot right away on what is an already deep Calgary roster. The Roughnecks transition game has undergone some changes already, and Gillies adds more youth to the mix. He had 20 points in 18 games this season with Delta but he also has defensive skills that can help the team collectivley replace Jeff Moleski.
36. Buffalo Bandits- John St John, Toronto Beaches
St. John broke out in 2015 with the Toronto Beaches. He had 92 points in 20 games with the Beaches this season and he already has pro experience with three years in the Canadian Lacrosse League. He falls a bit because the draft is so deep, but he could go much earlier. He is an excellent fit for the Bandits who are trying to rebrand their offense.
37. New England Black Wolves- Doug Buchan, Burlington Chiefs
It makes a lot of sense for the Black Wolves to select a goalie to create some competition at the position. Both Evan Kirk and Tye Belanger had solid enough seasons last season, but to create some depth Buchan is a good option. They could improve their defense as well, but with the way this board looks they might be better off adding a goalie to develop for their future.
38. Rochester Knighthawks- Marcus Elvin, Six Nations Arrows
Elvin might have the skills to make a push for the 2016 Knighthawks roster, but if not, he’s a good fit with them long term and they would keep him on their practice roster. Elvin, another Arrow, is consistant with the Knighthawks history of selecting Arrows players.
39. Vancouver Stealth- Brandon Bull, Coquitlam Adanacs
Bull is a left handed forward who has seen varying success between junior and senior ball in British Columbia. He had 16 points in 16 games last season with the Adanacs, his second full WLA season. The Stealth always love adding local depth and Bull keeps up with that trend.
40. Saskatchewan Rush- Reagan Harding, Nanaimo Timbermen
The Saskatchewan native would be a perfect fit with the newly located Rush. The lefty forward has struggled at times in the past few seasons, but it’s hard to see the Rush passing up their first opportunity at a hometown player.
FIFTH ROUND
41. New England Black Wolves- Jimmy McBride, New Westminster Salmonbellies
McBride could go much earlier than this. He had nine points in his nine games with the Salmonbellies last season and he has shown some impressive defensive qualities. He is somewhat of a project at the pro level, but these are the kind of players the Black Wolves need to contend in the future.
42. Vancouver Stealth- Nathan Klein, Burnaby Lakers
Klein is another attempt for the Stealth to improve their defense. Klein was a part of two Adanacs junior teams that went to Minto Cups and he has some skills that can be developed long term.
43. Georgia Swarm- Andrew Kelly, Barrie Lakeshores
Kelly, a lefty transition man, helps the Swarm with their trend of rebuilding their defense. At this point in the draft, these players become longshots and potential practice players, and that’s where Kelly fits for Georgia.
44. Calgary Roughnecks- Cole Kryworuchka. Nanaimo Timbermen, Brampton Excelsiors
The lefty defender is another chance for the Roughnecks to pile on making their defense younger and faster. Kryworuchka went out east this season with the junior Brampton Excelsiors where he played well and improved his draft stock.
45. Colorado Mammoth- Thomas Moffat, Victoria Shamrocks
Moffat missed this past season with the Junior A Victoria Shamrocks, but he opened some eyes in 2014 when he scored 49 points. His lack of playing drops him in this draft but he becomes an intriguing sleeper for the Mammoth who don’t have many selections and have to make the most of them.
46. Vancouver Stealth- Quintan Martin, Brampton Excelsiors
The third goalie to go in this draft goes to the Stealth, a team somewhat in limbo long term at the goalie position. Tyler Richards retired which left the Stealth with Eric Penney as their go-to guy. They also have Cody Hadgedorn and Adam Shute, but historically the Stealth have carried many goalies and Martin gives them another option.
47. Saskatchewan Rush- Matt Kristiansen, Langley Thunder
In the RMLL, Kristiansen had some historic seasons, one season scoring 62 points. He hasn’t quite replicated that with the Langley Thunder but he still has some scoring touch the Rush can work with long term.
SIXTH ROUND
48. New England Black Wolves- Hakeem Lecky, Onondaga Redhawks, Syracuse Orange
New England/Philadelphia historically go with an American project here and Lecky seems like a decent option for that. He’s won an MLL title now and he acheived success in college with the Orange and he even scored five points in two games with the Onondaga Redhawks this season.
49. Vancouver Stealth- Brendan Mykle-Winkler, Victoria Shamrocks
The story of this draft for the Stealth is defense and Mykle-Winkler, a defensive minded transition man, wraps up their draft. He did score 53 points one season with the junior Shamrocks and still kept his defensive skills. He’s a late sleeper who could emerge as a roster player.
50. Georgia Swarm- Rily Campbell, Peterborough Lakers
Another defender for the Swarm who could go earlier than this slot. Campbell found success with the Junior A Lakers after spending some time with the Junior C team for a while as well. He has a bit of a scoring touch as well, with 15 points in 20 games last season.
51. Calgary Roughnecks- Ryan Sage, Nanaimo Timbermen
The forward took some time off from indoor lacrosse when he played college lacrosse with Mars Hill. The last time he played junior, however, he starred with a 62 point season in 21 games. He has some scoring skills that could translate to the NLL long term if he gets more indoor lacrosse time.
52. Colorado Mammoth- Brandon Staal, Clarington Green Gaels
Staal, being a Junior B player, is going to see his value drop. However, he picked up 93 points in 19 games last season, absolutley destroying the entire Junior B circuit. Once again he’s a potential sleeper for the Mammoth who walk away with a decent draft class.
53. Toronto Rock- Brandon Slade, Orangeville Northmen
Brandon Slade also found his most success in Junior B when he scored 72 points. However, he has also been successful enough with the Northmen to get a look at an NLL roster, and the Rock have many connections with Orangeville.
54. Toronto Rock- Brett Ulbikas, Burlington Chiefs
Ulbikas is a transition player focused on defense and he also adds some young depth at Toronto’s attempt to restock their future defense. He also has some field lacrosse success with two CUFLA Baggataway Cups.
55. Saskatchewan Rush- Robin Lowenberger, Coquitlam Adanacs
Honestly, the last overall pick could go in any direction any year. I have the defending champions selectiong Loewenberger, another west coast based defenseman for the Rush to stock their roster with.
