The transition for an America to play in the NLL is tough. A few years ago, a host of Duke and Virginia graduates were drafted and not a single one made an opening day roster. That season, a few Americans made the Philadelphia Wings, but only after a few years of working on their indoor game.
With the fall season coming closer, the NLL draft is approaching. There will be a few names on the draft board that will be able to make the transition between the open outdoor game and the rugged confines of their indoor counterpart. With some work, these names could find a home like Eric Law did last season for the Toronto Rock.
Joe Fletcher – D, Loyola University
Defensive players have had an easier transition to the league so look for the Defensive Player of the Year to get a nod at making a roster. Players like Tucker Durkin before him have had the ability to make the ranks, but Fletcher’s style is different than Durkin. He will have to play tough in getting to the corners for ground balls and he will have to be very physical, a trait that he needed to display less of in college.
Tom Schreiber – M, Princeton University
A tough, physical midfielder will be able to play in the league. He is reminiscent of Max Seibald and Garrett Thul, so he will be able to make a roster in the NLL. His goal scoring ability will translate in the winter season and he has been able to play the more physical game with how defenses played his the last two seasons in college. As the first pick in the MLL draft this past winter, he will be a high pick likely for a team that needs a transition player and goal scorer.
Kieran McArdle – A, St. Johns University
After his first game in the MLL, McArdle made his presence known becoming one of the feature players for the Florida Launch. He has the ability to get to the goal in tight space while playing the more physical style that will translate to the indoor game. At St. Johns, he was the player all opposing defenses had in their crosshairs. He will be a draft pick in the NLL.
Scott McWilliams – D, University of Virginia
Virginia defensemen have been able play in the NLL because they have the traits to transition into the league. Much like Steve Holmes, UVA grad, he will find a roster spot with his skills and playing and playing style. He is a gritty player that protects the middle of the defense. McWilliams will hit anyone coming through the middle and is relentless on the opposition.
Luke Duprey – D, Duke University
The injury that he suffered at the end of the season may make his draft status questionable, but he will be at the very least offered chance to make a camp. He is tough and will be able to play against NLL competition. Duprey is a rangy player, being able to deter players some seeing free space in his direction. Being a part of a winner, like Duke, means he has the competitive drive to work to be the best.
Ryan Crighton – M, University of North Carolina
As versatile as Creighton was at UNC, he will be able to find a niche in the NLL. He is great in transition, which means he can pick up ground balls and run in the league as a transition player. His defensive capabilities enable him not to be a liability to any team taking a chance on drafting him. Creighton is a pure athlete that will likely find a home with a team like his former hometown squad in the Wings.
Matt Harris – D, Syracuse University
Matt Harris is much like Creighton in that he possesses that athletic ability to play in transition while not being a defensive liability. Even though he is a defenseman by trade, he played long stick midfielder, being able to put some offensive ability to use. Being that he has the ability to flex between transition and defense may make him a fit in the league. Being at Syracuse will certainly help his ability since he has seen similar NLL style players around him.
Only time will tell until the National Lacrosse League draft next month.
