For better or worse, the MLS is scheduled to hold its draft in January 2021. And while the league at this point plans on plowing ahead and shooting to launch in mid-March, plenty could force a deviation.
With the draft scheduled for January, draftees will have to choose between putting those pro dreams on hold and playing a potential final college season or trying to make it in MLS right away.
At this point, one thing is certain: Austin FC has the No. 1 pick. The expansion team is in the middle of building a roster for the 2021 season. And with academy signings a long way away, taking a player that is all but certain to be signed to a Generation adidas deal provides them with someone to add to a supplemental roster spot. Obviously, a trade could potentially be in the works for Austin to move the top pick for an asset (which seems unlikely, but you never know).
So who are the contenders for the expansion franchise? There is likely to be no Daryl Dike-caliber talent, a player that could emerge as a potential U.S. national team player or be a candidate to be sold abroad. Of course, it’s worthing noting that Dike wasn’t even the first overall pick.
But there are a few quality players likely to be out there, that if they sign a GA contract, could be a good option for the new Texas team.
