After a disappointing 2013 season behind them, the Rochester Rattlers will look to obtain some quality talent in this year’s 2014 MLL Collegiate Draft taking place Friday night. The Rattlers’ main areas of concern are on attack and midfield. The Rattlers have one of the thinnest rosters currently and are looking to add some offensive threats that can help support Kevin Leveille on attack. Defensively, the Rattlers are very sound with the likes of Joel White on long pole and veteran John Galloway in net.
Rochester holds the second overall pick in the draft and will most likely take an attackman with their first pick. The projected first overall pick, midfielder Tom Schreiber from Princeton University, will likely be taken by the Ohio Machine. With that being said, the Rattlers will look to obtain top projected attackman Jordan Wolf. Wolf has great speed and a strong outside shot, which will work well for the Rattlers offense alongside Leveille. Wolf, who helped lead Duke to their NCAA title in 2013, had 57 goals and 28 assists last season and was a Tewaarton nominee.
After the second overall pick, the Rattlers don’t have a draft selection until the 20th overall pick. Look for Rochester to make a late trade to try to obtain a high draft pick in the first two rounds. The Rattlers then hold the 26th, 28th, 32nd, 44th, 52nd, 56th and 60th overall picks.
The Rattlers will try to fill the voids as effectively as possible with the offensive heavy draft. One player will not change the dynamic of the team in this year, but if the Rattlers can select several players that will fit into their plan and buy into the program they are developing, then this draft year could help propel the Rattlers into the playoffs.
