With Major League Rugby hosting it's first draft, it will be interesting how Old Glory goes into this draft. The draft is only two rounds, so the club will have to be careful as to what areas will be most important to draft for if that's the direction they go. The other way to draft is to select best available player, but that all depends on the situation especially with them likely to draft 11th. So with that being said let's take a look at areas the team will need to build upon before getting into the players.
Areas of Need
Lock
The team has some quality players in their second row such as Api Naikatini, Dylan Pieterse, and Tevita Naqali, but it's clearly lacking a lot of depth. What would happen if injuries occur? How would the team navigate the waters if their lock's become injured? Either way, this will be something that should be addressed before the 2021 season and whether the club will select a lock or not is not clear. That being said, the lock class is very deep, so it might seem like that taking one in the second round isn't out of the question.
Prop
While it's unclear which type of prop is needed, but with how much the scrum struggled in 2020, the front row is a place to focus on. It is also unknown if Tendai Mtawarira will be back, but if he isn't, then that creates a bigger problem. So if he is gone, then either the club will have to draft a quality player to replace him or hope that Jake Turnbull, Jack Iscaro, or whoever can step up and fill that void meaning drafting a player to have as depth.
Players Of Note
Outside of the lack of depth of the second row and with a scrum that struggled (which may or may not be due to not playing enough together), it's hard to pinpoint a position of weakness on Old Glory. That being said, it doesn't hurt building the team in every which way possible by drafting for whichever position. It would seem like the club will try to draft the best player available in the first round and a lock in the second round or vice versa. With that being said, here are some notable players the club could draft.
Brian Nault-Prop
Originally a back row player, he switched over to loosehead prop and has become a great player. He is generally seen as the best player at the position, so it might be hard to see him to be selected by the club, but if he's available, they should take him. He is also physical, something that would be nice to have for Old Glory.
Nate Shipley-Lock/Prop
He is listed as a lock, but can also play as a prop. He is a big player, but also versatile and that could play nicely with the team as Old Glory seems to like versatility. While it's hard to know how other teams will draft, if Shipley is available, it would be wise to take him.
Adonnis Lee-Johnson-Prop
Not officially listed as a prop, but it would seem like that is where he will likely play. Lee-Johnson is a strong player who is excellent on offense and is a tough player to tackle making him an exciting and intriguing prospect. He isn't likely to be selected in the first round, but if he's available in the second, he might be worth taking a chance on him.
Keyon McCloud-Holmon-Prop
McCloud-Holmon plays for Kutztown, a traditional collegiate rugby powerhouse, so he is a player to keep a very close eye on. He's an athletic player that could make their front row really good in scrums. He's also got a great rugby IQ and that will help greatly.
Bronson Teles-Lock
Teles is one great player and if he is available when it's Old Glory's time to draft, they must select him. Teles also can play in the back row which could come useful in certain game situations. He's a player to watch for closely.
Casey Renaud-Lock
Renaud probably won't be around for Old Glory to draft, but he's the best lock prospect. Like McCloud-Holmon, he plays for Kutztown as he has helped make their scrums strong and effective in the lineouts. If he is available in the first round, it would be too hard to pass up on him.
Connor Buckley-Scrumhalf
Buckley is the best scrumhalf prospect in the draft, but this a player that would be hard to pass up on if he's available. Buckley is a good passer, defender, kicker, and has all the intangibles. He would be a nice insurance policy if Danny Tusitala was ever to get injured and could take over the starting role if Tusitala was to leave. However, it's hard to imagine him not being taken before Old Glory selects.
Connor Mooneyham-Center
Mooneyham is an excellent prospect who can also get physical if needed to. While the need for a center is not imperative, Mooneyham would bring a lot to the squad. Mooneyham could even push for a starting role if he is drafted.
Calvin Gentry-Center
Gentry offers somewhat of the same as Mooneyham, so if he is available, take him. Like mentioned earlier, the need for a center is not imperative, but he would bring a lot to the team.
Cole Zarcone-Wing
Zarcone is unlikely to be around when Old Glory drafts, but if he is then they should take him. Zarcone is the most MLR ready wing in the draft and probably could push for a starting role, but while a wing is not necessarily a need, he would be a good player to have.
Now there's a lot more players in this draft and how the team will go about it is unknown, but these are simply just some of the names to keep an eye on. For more players, go to Doug Coil's website to read up on the other names or click here for the article.
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