Colorado Rapids MLS SuperDraft Recap

The Colorado Rapids made six selections in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and, most notably, traded out of the second overall pick.

The Colorado Rapids entered the 2016 MLS SuperDraft with the second overall pick; however, after the Chicago Fire drafted NCAA Player of the Year Jack Harrison (out of Wake Forest), the Colorado Rapids decided to deal their pick to the Philadelphia Union, presumably because the Fire took their favorite player off the board. The Colorado Rapids received general allocation money for their pick, which they hope to use in signing an international player in the future.

Next: Colorado Rapids Closing in on Transfer for Alan Pulido

The Colorado Rapids were not done making deals. The Colorado Rapids traded the 12th and 22nd overall picks to the Chicago Fire for the 15th and 33rd picks. More importantly the Colorado Rapids and Chicago Fire traded allocation rankings, with the Rapids receiving the top ranking heading into the transfer window. By acquiring the top allocation ranking, the Colorado Rapids are in a position to make a splash in the transfer window by signing an impact player.

At the 15th overall pick, the Colorado Rapids finally made their first selection of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. With the 15th pick, the Colorado Rapids drafted Emmanuel Appiah out of the University of Cincinnati. Emmanuel Appiah roams in the midfield; however, it remains a question mark on what type of impact Appiah will bring in the upcoming season. In Appiah’s senior season at Cincinnati, he scored five goals and registered six assists in 18 games.

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After selecting Emmanuel Appiah, the Colorado Rapids had to wait until the 37th pick (2nd round) to make their next selection in the MLS SuperDraft. With the 37th pick, the Colorado Rapids selected Dennis Castillo out of Virginia Commonwealth. While with Virginia Commonwealth, Castillo earned a slew of award while manning the wingback position, and he started every game of his collegiate career.

The Colorado Rapids only made two selections in the first two rounds of the MLS SuperDraft; however, the stockpiled four picks for the remaining two rounds in the draft. Entering the second day of the draft, the Colorado Rapids owned the 43rd, 56th, 58th, and 63rd picks (three third round and one fourth round).

With the 43rd pick of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, the Colorado Rapids selected Chris Frouchauer out of Ohio State. Frouchauer played goalkeeper for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and with the Colorado Rapids trading Clint Irwin, they needed to fill the void, with Frouchauer offering some solid upside in the process.

Later in the third round, with the 56th and 58th pick, the Colorado Rapids selected Javan Torre and Bradley Kamdem, respectively. Torre and Kamdem were both defenders in their collegiate careers, with Torre playing at UCLA and Kamdem playing at UNLV. The Colorado Rapids were among the MLS’ worst teams last season, so they decided to address their defense in the SuperDraft, using three out of their six picks to draft defenders.

Entering the final round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, the Colorado Rapids owned the second pick of the fourth round. The Colorado Rapids addressed every phase of the team in the SuperDraft, besides the forward position, but with the 63rd pick in the draft, the Colorado Rapids selected John Manga, Emmanuel Appiah’s collegiate teammate. Standing at 6’2”, Manga provides solid size and an arial threat the Colorado Rapids need in the upcoming season.

Next: Colorado Rapids Closing in on Transfer for Alan Pulido

It remains to be seen whether or not any of the players the Colorado Rapids drafted will make an impact in the 2016 season, but Emmanuel Appiah possesses the best opportunity moving forward. Look for the Colorado Rapids to make a splash in the transfer window to help the team out in 2016. The Colorado Rapids have been linked to Tim Howard and Alan Pulido in the transfer window.

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