Today’s MLS SuperDraft was a riot. From #PlayerToBeNamedLater to Jack Harrison being shifted from Chicago to NYCFC in a rather bizzare fashion - it was peak MLS.

From looking back and reflecting on the draft however, there were differing strategies at play. Here’s my take on them:

The Draft Avoiders.

Neither Sporting Kansas City or LA Galaxy had a draft pick in the first two rounds today. For the Galaxy it was alleged that Bruce Arena left Baltimore as soon as the trade of their 12th overall pick with Colorado for TAM was complete. KC also traded out their pick for TAM, with DC receiving their 11th overall pick.

To me this is a case of both sides valuing TAM greater than the talent on offer in the Draft. It also emphasises the short-termist decision making currently employed by Arena - as that TAM could potentially go towards the rumoured signing of either Nigel De Jong, Joleon Lescott or (C)Ashley Cole.

The Houston Dynamo still had a pick in the second round, but they turned their GAM, TAM and 6th overall pick into moves for Andrew Wenger and Christian Maidana - another team valuing proven talent ahead of an unproven younger player.

I’ve spoken previously about leveraging the draft pick you have so that you are not wasting it picking someone who might just get one or two seasons on the fringes of the squad and then get dropped - SKC and the Galaxy have been perfect examples of how to do this. It’s also worth noting that this could be a signal that LA Galaxy are going to focus more on the production from their academy than bet on draft picks.

The Greedy Pickers.

It’s the first time in the history of the SuperDraft (going back to 2007, anyway) that two teams have had three picks in the First Round. Those last two teams were Toronto FC in 2009 and Philadelphia Union in 2010: