Round 1 Picks 1-15

The 2024 MLS Super Draft has three star players. Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Logan Farrington, and Tyrese Spicer are the three headline players in the 2024 MLS Super Draft.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: December 19, 2023.

1. Toronto F.C.: Tyrese Spicer, F, Lipscomb A+ Grade
   
   
   The last time Toronto F.C. had the first pick, they traded the pick away to the New England Revolution for Allocation money in the 2013 MLS Super Draft. New England drafted Louisville center back Andrew Farrell with the first pick and he's still on the New England Revolution a decade later. That's why Toronto F.C. has to keep this selection.
   
   
   
   Toronto is using a 3-4-2-1 formation. Toronto is going to get a local player at one, but the question is which one. The 6-1 163 lb Tyrese Spicer from Trinidad and Tobago goes first overall in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. This is also the first athlete from the Lipscomb Bisons to go first overall.
   
   
   
   Tyrese Spicer had 8 goals, 7 assists, and 23 points in the Fall of 2021. Tyrese Spicer had 4 goals, 7 assists, and 15 points in 2022. Tyrese Spicer had 14 goals, 3 assists, and 31 points in 2023. Tyrese Spicer plays the 9 at striker, but the highly touted Tyrese Spicer did manage to score on the 2023 Big 10 Champion Indiana Hoosiers in the round of 48 at the 2023 College Cup. Indiana usually reloads with talent on the backline and at goalie under Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley.
   
   
   
   Tyrese Spicer has the kicking power and kicking accuracy you want from a 22-year-old striker. What's more impressive is his speed. He can run a mile in five minutes and forty seconds. He can run two miles in eleven minutes and thirty five seconds.
   
   
   
   Tyrese Spicer got an invite to the 2023 MLS College Showcase. The junior redshirt declined the invite. Even after declining the invite to the 2023 MLS College Showcase, he signed a Generation Adidas deal.
   
   
   
   Tyrese Spicer has the kicking power, kicking accuracy, and speed which are the three most imporant boxes for a striker at the 9 are checked off in spades. Tyrese Spicer is going to be a huge piece for a Toronto F.C. team that needs help everywhere. Toronto F.C. currently has 7 of their 8 International roster slots occupied and 1 of their 3 Under 22 Roster slots occupied. Tyrese Spicer is 22-years-old and Toronto F.C. took him over Kimani Stewart-Baynes since they wanted a player that will come in and make an impact with Toronto F.C. right away. That's the biggest reason Spicer went first overall. I'm not sure if Spicer would be an Under 22 International or whether he would occupy that last International spot, but Toronto is saving one of those two International spots for Tyrese Spicer after taking him first overall which is the biggest reason they got an A+ grade at 1.
   
   
   
2. Colorado Rapids: Wayne Frederick, M, Duke B Grade
   
   
   Colorado runs a 4-2-3-1 formation. Colorado entered the 2024 MLS Super Draft with four first round picks and two of those picks were top five picks. Colorado did pay a premium for a third top five pick.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 145 lb Wayne Frederick is a 19-year-old sophomore midfielder on Duke with the versatility to play the 6 at defensive midfielder and the 8 at central midfielder. Wayne Frederick had 3 goals, 3 assists, 9 points, and helped Duke record 5 shutouts in 2023.
   
   
   
   Wayne Frederick doesn't turn 20 until June 13, 2024 and is a domestic born player that played for the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Team as a duel citizen. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Wayne Frederick ends up sneaking into the back end of the first round because of this. Colorado has used all 8 International roster slots, but has all 3 Under 22 Slots available.
   
   
   
   MLS showed an interview of the guy. He's fast he defends well. I just feel like this was a reach at 2 for the Colorado Rapids when examining all of their draft needs. I want to root for him as a Duke fan, but I'm not sure he will end up being the best player in this draft.
   
   
   
   
   
3. F.C. Dallas: Logan Farrington, F, Oregon State A+ Grade
   
   
   F.C. Dallas runs a 4-3-3 formation. F.C. Dallas currently has 7 of their 8 International roster slots filled.
   
   
   
   F.C. Dallas has the forwards and goaltending to be a formidable team that can make the playoffs on a yearly basis in the Western Conference. Once F.C. Dallas gets better midfielders and defenders this is a team that will be able to make a push to an MLS Cup. The striker tandem of Jesus Ferrera and Logan Farrington will be one to watch for years to come.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 175 lb Logan Farrington had 7 goals, 3 assists, and 17 points as a junior at Milwaukee in 2022 before entering the transfer portal and enrolling at Oregon State. Logan Farrington had 15 goals, 7 assists, and 37 points as a senior winning 2023 PAC 12 Men's Soccer Player of the Year in addition to 2023 PAC 12 Offensive Player Of The Year in 2023. Logan Farrington was born in the United States, so he will not occupy an International roster slot. Logan Farrington's 2 goals and 2 assists for Oregon State in their 7-1 win against SMU in the Sweet 16 of the 2023 College Cup. That SMU team was ranked 6th in the 2023 Men's College Soccer Tournament as well as being ranked as high as second in the country at one point behind Marshall.
   
   
   
   Logan Farrington is a good dribbler better dribbler than Duncan McGuire, but not as explosive in terms of his overall burst. He has the kicking power and kicking accuracy you want from a striker. He's got a powerful boot and his shot can be pinpoint at times. Logan Farrington's main position is the 9 at striker. He can play the 11 at left winger as a secondary position complimenting Ferrera on the outside. F.C. Dallas will have Logan Farrington at left winger, Jesus Ferreira at striker, and Bernard Kamungo at right winger. All three of those forwards are 22-years-old or younger, so F.C. Dallas is gonna have stability at forward for years to come as long as Logan Farrington is starting on F.C. Dallas on day 1.
   
   
   
4. Colorado Rapids: Kimani Stewart-Baynes, F, Maryland A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-8 160 lb Kimani Stewart-Baynes was the consensus number one pick in all three MLS Mock Drafts. He fell to the Colorado Rapids at 4 as now the Rapids get a winger to build their franchise around.
   
   
   
   Maryland freshman Kimani Stewart-Baynes had 3 goals, 7 assists, and 13 points. Kimani Stewart-Baynes was also the Big 10 Freshman Of The Year and could be the top selection if he gets a Generation Adidas offer since he won't turn 19 until January. Kimani Stewart-Baynes has the speed, kicking power, kicking accuracy, passing, and stamina you want from an MLS winger.
   
   
   
   Colorado has a winger to build their franchise around. They still need a striker, another center back wouldn't hurt, a left back, and a goalie. I'm not sure they addressed all of their needs yet, but Kimani Stewart-Baynes was the top Generation Adidas player in the 2024 MLS Super Draft.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Colorado Rapids: Nate Jones, D, Washington B+ Grade
   
   
   Colorado now has another center back to pair with Moise Bombito. Nate Jones will give Colorado a really center back tandem.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 190 lb Nate Jones is a 21-year-old center back on Washington who can play the 4 at sweeper or the 5 at center back. Nate Jones had 2 goals, 1 assist 5 points, and helped Washington record 9 shutouts in 2022. Nate Jones had 3 goals, 2 assists, 8 points, and helped Washngton record 3 shutouts in 2023.
   
   
   
   Nate Jones was the consensus number one center back in every other 2024 MLS Mock Draft. I like Nate Jones, but I don't think he's the clear cut best center back in this draft like College Soccer News Top Drawer Soccer or Kelken Sport do. Ethan Bartlow was my favorite center back to come out of Washington and while I like Jones, I don't think he's the best center back in the draft. At the same time, I don't hate this pick either.
   
   
   
   Austin FC traded the rights to Nate Jones to the Colorado Rapids for $250,000 in allocation money during the 2024 MLS Super Draft. I mocked Nate Jones to the Colorado Rapids fourth overall, but the Rapids get him at 5 thanks to a trade with Austin FC giving the Colorado Rapids 3 of the top 5 picks in the 2024 MLS Super Draft.
   
   
   
6. Chicago Fire F.C.: Bryan Dowd, G, Notre Dame C- Grade
   
   
   Chicago Fire F.C. runs a 4-2-3-1 formation and has used all 8 International roster slots. Chicago's decision to trade a 2023 first round pick to Orlando City S.C. for former rookie of the year Chris Mueller ended up costing the Chicago Fire a chance to draft Duncan McGuire. Chicago ends up drafting a goalie when they already have a good homegrown goalie. Bryan Dowd is the best goalie in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. This is not a knock on Dowd as much as it is a knock on the Fire for taking another goalie when you have Chris Brady a 19-year-old homegrown goalie who started 30 games and had 8 shutouts. Bryan Dowd is a 22-year-old goalie who just graduated from Notre Dame. Unless Chicago Fire F.C. plans to sell Chris Brady for a ton of allocation money down the road, taking a backup goalie at 6 makes zero sense.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 175 lb Bryan Dowd had 10 shutouts in the Fall of 2021. Dowd struggled as a junior in 2022. Bryan Dowd has dominated as a senior with a 12-3-6 record, an .824 save percentage, 70 saves, and 11 shutouts with Notre Dame in 2023. Bryan Dowd is also listed as a punter on Notre Dame's football team so the versatility to be a two sport athlete is there with Bryan Dowd making him an ideal player to play the 1 at goalie. Considering the success Brandon Aubrey had as a former Notre Dame center back turned kicker in the NFL, maybe the lesson here is to stay patient with your Notre Dame prospects in College Soccer because if you don't they might get paid to play another sport professionally.
   
   
   
   Bryan Dowd got a shutout in the round of 32 in the 2023 College Cup after Notre Dame lost as the top seed in the 2023 ACC Tournament. Bryan Dowd shutout Western Michigan in the Sweet 16 after shutting out Kentucky in the round of 32. Bryan Dowd also got a shutout against Oregon State in the Final 4 of the 2023 College Cup before Clemson defeated Notre Dame to win the 2023 College Cup in the Championship match.
   
   
   
   
   
7. D.C. United: Jacob Murrell, F, Georgetown A Grade
   
   
   D.C. United runs a 4-3-1-2 formation and has 6 of their 8 International roster slots locked up for next season after trading right back Raul for right back Aaron Herreria and allocation money. D.C. United drafts a local from Georgetown at 7.
   
   
   
   Jacob Murrell was born on March 29, 2004 making the 19-year-old striker one of the youngest central forwards in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. He's also born in the United States allowing D.C. United to keep their International roster slots for Free Agents.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 180 lb Jacob Murrell had 7 goals, 3 assists, and 17 points as a freshman in 2022. Jacob Murrell had 11 goals, 4 assists, and 26 points as a sophomore in 2023. Jacob Murrell can declare for the 2024 MLS Super Draft as a true sophomore with the new rules for any sophomore or junior eligible to declare for the 2024 MLS Super Draft as long as that player doesn't have a homegrown deal with a previous MLS team. Jacob Murrell is the fifth underclassmen off the board.
   
   
   
   Jacob Murrell's main position is the 9 at striker. Jacob Murrell does have the versatility to play the 7 at right winger, the 9 at striker, and the 11 at left winger in the MLS.
   
   
   
8. New York City F.C.: Malachi Jones, F, Lipscomb A+ Grade
   
   
   New York City F.C. has a 4-3-3 and has used 7 of their 8 International roster slots. New York City F.C. can promote MD Myers at striker as last years 2023 third round pick led MLS Next with 17 goals. Malachi Jones ends up being the second member of the Lipscomb Bisons to go in the top 10.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 155 lb Malachi Jones had 5 goals, 12 assists, and 22 points. Malachi Jones is versatile enough to play the 7 at right winger and the 11 at left winger. This playmaker created more scoring chances for top selection Tyrese Spicer. A solid, sneaky, under the radar pick for New York City F.C. at 8.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Minnesota United F.C.: Hugo Bacharach, D, Indiana A+ Grade
   
   
   Minnesota United F.C. runs a 4-3-2-1 formation. Minnesota United F.C. goes with the best player on the board at 9 with all 8 international slots occupied in 2024. Minnesota United F.C. drafts Indiana center back Hugo Bacharach whose going to require an International roster slot, but he's a versatile defender with great size.
   
   
   
   The 6-4 210 lb Hugo Bacharach was a three year starter at Farleigh Dickinson, but he transferred to Indiana after his junior year hoping to step in as an immediate fill in player at center back with Daniel Munie no longer on the team. Hugo Bacharach has the versatility to play the 5 at center back or the 6 at defensive midfielder. He's a great complimentary center back, but he's not a lead center back that can play the sweeper too. Having the size and versatility that Bacharach has should get him picked in the third round though.
   
   
   
   Hugo Bacharach had 4 goals, 4 assists, and helped Indiana record 8 shutouts in 2023. Hugo Bacharach's play at center back next to Joey Maher was a big reason why Indiana shutout Penn State 1-0 to win the 2023 Big 10 Championship.
   
   
   
   I like Hugo Bacharach. I liked his teammate Joey Maher better, but Bacharach was a consensus first round grade with other mock drafts placing him in the top 10 which is mainly due to his size, athletic traits, and versatility. Todd Yeagley raved about Bacharach's athleticism and passing. I knew he was probably going to get picked ahead of Joey Maher mainly due to his massive size and ability to play multiple positions.
   
   
   
   Hugo Bacharach will probably start out in MLS Next. If he proves himself there, he could earn a promotion to MLS down the road. I initially gave this pick a B grade, but Minnesota got both Hugo Bacharach and Marcus Calderia at 20 with the pick they got in the trade with the New England Revolution. I'm somewhat optimistic about how Minnesota United F.C. plans to develop these two International studs in MLS Next.
   
   
   
10. CF Montreal: Grayson Doody, D, UCLA Dry Cornbread Grade
    
    
    CF Montreal runs a 3-4-3 formation and produced 12 shutouts thanks to their homegrown goalie finally breaking out despite using only 3 defensemen. CF Montreal also only has 4 International roster slots and can draft domestic or international players. CF Montreal now has Raul the D.C. United right back and essentially they use the tenth pick in the 2024 MLS Super Draft on a backup right back for depth.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 165 lb Grayson Doody had 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, and helped UCLA get four shutouts. Grayson Doody only took 10 shots all season and had 10 games without a shot. MLS Soccer had this guy going in the first round, but he didn't even make my top 87.
    
    
    
    Devon Kerr mentioned that Grayson Doody puts his body on the line which is the only reason this pick didn't get an F grade from me. I think Tommy Silva the UCLA left back and the other two seniors at center back at UCLA that are draft eligible are better players than Grayson Doody. Essentially CF Montreal spent the tenth pick int he 2024 MLS Super Draft on the worst defender on UCLA's backline and their drafting him as a backup right back. CF Montreal had 4 International slots heading into this draft and I expected them to be aggressive with three of my top five players still there.
    
    
    
    I ended up giving CF Montreal the first ever Dry Cornbread grade since they drafted the worst defender on UCLA tenth overall. Me and my friend Emmanuel who hosts Sportscast Radio have made jokes about Dry Cornbread on his podcast. Grayson Doodby 0 points and only 4 asssists in 16 starts is the definition of a Dry Cornbread draft pick here at 10.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Nashville S.C.: Wyatt Miller, D, California B+ Grade
    
    
    Nashville S.C. runs a 4-4-2 formation with four defensemen, four midfielders, and 2 forwards with a striker and secondary striker up front with only 4 of the 8 International roster slots occupied. Nashville S.C. has a strong back line on defense and great goaltending with Walker Zimmerman and Joey Maher at center back. Joey Skinner should be the full-time starter at left back in 2024. Joe Willis and Elliott Panicco as your top two goalies. Hany Mukhtar can play the 9 at striker or the 10 at attacking midfielder. Nashville S.C. drafted another defender to keep their back line strong. Wyatt Miller's verstaility to play both center back and defensive midfielder makes him a great selection for Nashville S.C. at 11.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 175 lb Wyatt Meyer is a 22-year-old center back on California who can play the 4 at sweeper, the 5 at center back, or the 6 at defensive midfielder. The only difference between him and Indiana's Hugo Bacharach is that Miller doesn't require an International roster slot. Wyatt Meyer had 1 goal, 2 assists, 4 points, and helped California record 4 shutouts in 2023. Wyatt Meyer also won the 2023 PAC 12 Defensive Player Of The Year Award.
    
    
    
    Wyatt Miller was one of the standouts at the 2023 MLS College Showcase. This is probably the biggest reason he got picked eleventh overall. Nashville may need to send a giftbasket to CF Montreal for taking Grayson Doody because it allowed them to secure the PAC 12 Defender Of The Year.
    
    
    
12. New York Red Bulls: Aidan O'Connor, D, Virginia B Grade
    
    
    The New York Red Bulls run a 4-4-1-1 formation which produced 12 shutouts in 2023. The New York Red Bulls have 6 of their 8 International roster slots occupied as well as all 3 of their Under 22 Interational roster slots occupied. Frankie Amaya the first pick in the 2019 MLS Super Draft is one of the teams two central midfielders. Taking the best striker on the board is the most logical thing to do here, but the New york Red Bulls drafted another center back to keep this defense strong.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 215 lb Aidan O'Connor is one of the biggest center backs in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. Aidan O'Connor has 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, and has helped Virginia record 6 shutouts in 2023. Aidan O'Connor is versatile enough to play the 4 at sweeper or the 5 at center back. Someone will gamble on Aidan O'Connell at some point in the 2024 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    I had a preseason first round grade on Aidan O'Connor back in August, but mocked Aidan O'Connor to the New York Red Bulls in the third round. He's gonna help the New York Red Bulls MLS Next team and can provide depth at center back. He's not gonna be an immediate starter for the New York Red Bulls though. New York gave up picks 14, 43, and $50,000 in allocation money to move up two spots with the Colorado Rapids for Aidan O'Connell at 12.
    
    
    
    
    
13. San Jose Earthquakes: Jamar Ricketts, F, Cal State Northridge C Grade
    
    
    The 5-9 155 lb Jamar Ricketts has the versatility to play the 2 at left back, the 3 at right back, the 7 at right winger, and the 11 at left winger. He's a versatile player, but I'm not sure what his role will be. Jamar Ricketts had 8 goals, 5 assists, 21 points, and helped Cal State Northridge record 3 shutouts in 2023. He's fast and is great at attacking opposing fullbacks with his speed.
    
    
    
    San Jose needed a left back. The Earthquakes end up taking a local player at 13.
    
    
    
14. Charlotte FC: Tyger Smalls, F, Loyola Marymount D Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 173 lb Tyger Smalls didn't start until the middle of the season. Dave Tepper hands Stan Kronke $125,000 dollars to move up for a player that didn't start full time until the midseason. Tyger Smalls was the 9 at striker on Loyola Marymount's elite 8 team. Tyger Smalls had 7 goals, 1 assist, and 15 points starting 14 games. Tyger Smalls did score the game-winning goal against UCLA in the 2023 College Cup in a 1-0 , but this pick felt like a massive reach. Last year Charlotte FC traded up from 20 to 1 for Hamady Diop who looks like a bust so far and Dave Tepper also traded up for Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL Draft. I don't trust Dave Tepper's track record with draft picks at the moment which is the biggest reason I gave this pick a D grade.
    
    
    
    Tyger Smalls will cost an International roster slot if he gets promoted to the MLS. It's kind of hillarious that Dave Tepper's GM traded up for a MLS Next minor league prospect. I'm sure Tepper will make more front office changes down the road.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Inter Miami CF: Yannick Bright, M, New Hamphire A- Grade
    
    
    Inter Miami C.F. runs a 4-3-3 formation and has all 8 International spots plus all 3 of their Under 22 International spots occupied. Inter Miami C.F. has some core players with Leonardo Campana who led the team with 9 goals playing the 9 at striker moving to the 11 at left wing, Luis Suarez who has 10 goals and 10 assists in the Brazil Series A League takes over at the 9 at striker in 2024. Lionel Messi plays the 7 at right winger and was teammates with Luis Suarez on the 2010 F.C. Barcelona soccer team that had an MSN forward line with Messi at left winger, Suarez at striker, and Neymar at right winger. Sergio Busquets played the 10 at attacking midfielder on that 2010 F.C. Barcelona team and is now the 10 at attacking midfielder on Inter Miami C.F. The fourth and final F.C. Barcelona player on Inter Miami C.F. is left back Jordi Alba who plays the 2 at left back. DeAndre Yeldin plays the right back at the 3 and is reliable there.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 183 lb Yannick Bright has the versatility to play the 3 at right back and the 6 at defensive midfielder. Yannick Bright was a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist in all four seasons finishing in the tp 15 among College Soccer players in all four seasons at New Hampshire. His older brother Kevin Bright played for A.C. Milan.
    
    
    
    Yannick Bright can start out in MLS Next. He could end up developing into a starter at right back down the road for Inter Miami C.F. I gave this pick an A- mainly due to how consistent Yannick Bright has been over four seasons at New Hampshire.
    
    
    

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