The Flyers are going into the 2015 NHL Entry draft with a bevy of picks after some solid trades made by GM Ron Hextall. After (unsurprisingly) losing out in the draft lottery, the Flyers sit at #7 overall which is their highest selection since 2007 where they selected James Van Riemsdyk.The past two drafts we have seen the Flyers stock pile defensive prospects like Samuel Morin, Robert Hagg, Travis Sanheim, and Mark Friedman, which leaves our prospect pool at the forward position rather thin. The common consensus amongst Flyers fans is to draft one of the many talented wingers in this draft with our #7 overall pick. While I agree that forward is our biggest need in terms of prospects, the Flyers would be wise to pick another talented defenseman with our selection unless Mitch Marner falls to #7. Let's take a look at some of the defenseman who could be available for the Flyers at #7 overall:

Noah Hanifin

Noah Hanifin from Boston College is widely regarded as the premier defenseman going into this draft and will not likely make it to the Flyers at #7, but every year there is a surprising slide on draft day and if he were to fall to the Flyers, it would be a steal.

Noah Hanifin weighs in at 203 pounds and is 6'3" tall, which is a great build for today's NHL. The left-handed D-man, who compares himself to Drew Doughty, shined in his first year at Boston College tallying 23 points in 28 games with a +/- of 12. He also made a good impression at the World Juniors this year, despite the team's lackluster finish. According to scouts, Hanifin possesses a silky smooth stride, is smart with the puck, and is solid in all ends. He isn't overly flashy or phenomenal in the offensive end but is very dependable. The only knock against Hanifin from a Flyers point of view is that he is a Left-Handed defenseman and the Flyers are more in need of a Right-Handed defenseman. That being said, Hanifin's talent and skill set would be far too great to pass up based on handiness.

Ivan Provorov

Unlike Noah Hanifin, it is very probable that Ivan Provorov will be available at the #7 spot. The skilled Russian is widely believed to be the most NHL ready of the vast coup of defenseman and would be a great fit and value for the Flyers at #7.

The Left-Handed defenseman will most likely be more offensively minded than his Boston College counterpart but may not be as defensively responsible, but that isn't a slight at Provorov's defensive abilities. The 6'0" 201 pound defenseman posted 61 points in 60 games with a +/- of 36. At first glance this may seem worlds above Hanifin's production but take into consideration the NCAA is tougher competition than the WHL. Here is a scouting report from Craig Button, who ranks Provorov as the 5th best player in the draft, ahead of Hanifin:

While the debate will rage, I see Ivan as the best and most complete defenceman in the draft. His command of all the situations in the game allows him to contribute and make an impact regardless of what’s confronting him. Ivan can make the game look effortless with a brilliant understanding of what’s unfolding in front of him either from a defensive or offensive standpoint. His skating, quickness and balance, pinpoint passing, poise under pressure and a great competitive determination align to make him a defenceman who can influence the play and the outcomes in a consistent and positive manner.

The Flyers haven't been known for drafting Russians, but that could change under Hextall and drafting Provorov would be a great way to start.

Zach Werenski

Zach Werenski would be the biggest wild card of the three mentioned D-Men. Werenski has a similar build to Hanifin and Provorv; he weighs 207 pounds and is 6'2". Werenski piled up 25 points in 35 games and a +/- of 9 for the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA. Werenski projects to be an all around D-man with good offensive instincts.

Here is a scouting report on Werenski from Ben Kerr of Last Word on Sports who probably knows more than I do:

Werenski is a mobile, two-way defender who is not afraid to be physical in his own end of the rink. He can battle in the corners and works to clear the front of the net. He’s also been known to throw a hit if a forward comes down his side of the rink with his head down, though does not go out of his way and get himself caught out of position to do so. Werenski possesses high-end offensive ability with good passing skills, and strong ability to handle the puck and quarterback things from the blueline on the powerplay.

While Werenski appears to be a very talented player, he would be my third choice out of Hanifin and Provorov. It should be noted that Dean Lombardi, who Ron Hextall worked very closely with in Los Angeles, has spoken out against the way that Michigan develops its players and specifically its defensemen. While not much is known about Hextall's preferences, it isn't unreasonable to think his former partner's opinion might influence his own.

In Conclusion

There are many talented forwards in this draft such as Mikko Rantanen, Kyle Conner, Pavel Zacha, Matthew Barzal, Lawson Crouse, and Timo Meier who could be available at #7, the Flyers would be better off selecting one of the mentioned defensemen providing Mitch Marner doesn't miraculously slip to the Flyers, in which case, pick him. I certainly wouldn't be angry should we select a forward, but I feel adding more defensive talent is our top priority. Sanheim, Morin, Hagg, and Gostisbehere are all talented but none of them are sure things and the law of averages says that at least one of them will not turn out the way we hope. The Flyers also have another late 1st round election this year they could use to snag up a winger. Targets could include Jake DeBrusk, Jeremy Bracco, Daniel Sprong, or Brock Boeser.