Entered the MLS Player Combine as the consensus No. 1 pick -- and despite his game being dissected to the finest details, left as the No. 1 pick. Spurned European offers to be the No. 1, and honing his skills and game at the best facilities in the country, The Home Depot Center, make Marvell's future very bright.
- Real Salt Lake: Nathan Sturgis (M/D, Clemson) -- Coach John Ellinger needs a rookie to play substantial minutes after the investment in Nik Besagno in as the first overall pick in '05. Sturgis is a 'soccer player' in every sense of the phrase -- tactically astute and ready to play now in either defense or midfield.
- Columbus Crew: Dax McCarty (D, U.S. U-17s) -- The Combine MVP? He's much more mature than his 18 years suggest. He can come in and play right away; new Crew coach Sigi Schmid is high on McCarty.
- Kansas City Wizards: Mehdi Ballouchy (M, Santa Clara) -- Skillful, clever and creative, he has 'MLS' vision of the field. He answered questions about his willingness to defend with his strong workmanlike performance on both sides of the ball at Combine.
- MetroStars: Blake Wagner (D, U.S. U-17s) -- A versatile left-sided player with solid physical tools, he has good pace to go with his strong tackles. The most talented player born in 1988 at the U.S. under-17 residency camp. The Metros need so much so the pick makes sense.
- FC Dallas: Jacob Peterson (F, Indiana) -- Dangerous and explosive, a proven goal scorer at every level. He has that IU winning attitude. FC Dallas needs strikers to depend upon, not just names.
- D.C. United: Jason Garey (F, Maryland) -- The 2005 M.A.C. Hermann Trophy winner. Led the nation in goals (22) while leading Maryland to its first title since 1968. A bright kid who is a proven winner, he fits with the winning profile of local club D.C. United.
- Houston: Yura Movsisyan (F, Pasadena City College) -- An energetic attacker with solid vision, great soccer sense. His potential could be too much to pass up for an attacking-thin Houston club.
- Columbus: Patrick Ianni (D, UCLA) -- Sigi Schmid recruited his brother Tayt years ago at UCLA and Patrick is following in Tayt's path to MLS. A big physical presence who could be part of a rebuilt defense led by Chad Marshall, Patrick could help Crew right away.
- Chicago: Sacha Kljestan (M, Seton Hall) -- The Fire had arguably the best draft in '05 and can afford to pick a player they like. Kljestan is very likeable at this pick.
- New England Revolution: Brandon Moss (M, New Mexico) -- Brandon has been off the map most of his career but you don't need a GPS to find him now. The Albuquerque native has great skill to go with size at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. A top five player at the Combine, he could bloom under the guidance of Revolution coaches Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner.
- Los Angeles Galaxy: Josmer Altidore (F, U.S. U-17s) -- The sky's the limit for the youngest draft-eligible player. Considered special technically and tactically, he possesses a tremendous soccer IQ -- even at 16. He also fits in to the Galaxy's future plans along with former U-17 standout Quavas Kirk.
Allen Hopkins, who will anchor the broadcast of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
