The MLS Draft, despite the marketing surrounding the day itself, has mimimal impact on MLS rosters these days.

Seven of the first round picks from the 2017 draft failed to see their options picked up for next season, reflecting the gulf between NCAA Soccer and the North American domestic league.

That being said, TopDrawerSoccer.com will do its best to cover the upcoming draft, as new franchise LAFC will join the league and pick first overall at the January 19 event in Philadelphia.

One of the mysteries surrounding this year's draft is which players will end up signing a Generation adidas contract to leave college early. Ema Twumasi and Francis Atuahene are two names that could be available, and both could end up coming off the board with the first two picks. At minimum, their attacking upside should have them off the board quickly, if both sign. They are included for the purposes of the first round mock draft, which is below.

FIRST ROUND