2016 MLS first round mock draft

1. Chicago Fire- Joshua Yaro (CB, Georgetown)

There have been concerns about Yaro's size–he stands just 5'11, small for a center-back–but he is unquestionably the best player in this draft. The Fire need an instant starter on the backline because they traded Jeff Larentowicz to the LA Galaxy.

2. Colorado Rapids- Brandon Vincent (LB, Stanford)

The consensus for this pick is that the Rapids will go with midfielder Jack Harrison, but Vincent would be a better pick for Colorado. They traded starting defender Drew Moor, opening up a spot on the backline, and Vincent is a very promising left-back.

3. Philadelphia Union- Jack Harrison (MF, Wake Forest)

The Union have large needs at multiple areas, so with the luxury of holding the number-six pick, they take the best player on the board. That is the winger Harrison, who played in central midfield at Wake Forest but is expected to transition to left-midfield.

4. New York City FC- Jonathan Campbell (CB, North Carolina)

NYCFC's two biggest needs this offseason are at center back and central midfield. They need an athletic number-six to sit in front of the backline, but that is a need that can be addressed outside of the draft. Here they nab a talented center-back who could formulate a long career in MLS.

5. Real Salt Lake- Jorginho James (CM, Jamaica)

Real Salt Lake enter the draft with a desperate need for a box-to-box center midfielder, and they get their wish with Jamaican-international Jorginho James. They could have gone with Julian Buescher, but James looks to be better in the long run. He already has international experience, getting a couple caps with the Reggae Boyz senior team.

6. Philadelphia Union- Jordan McCrary (FB, North Carolina)

McCrary is a full-back that can be played on either side, making him an attractive pick for many. Philadelphia boost their depth with the former North Carolina standout.

7. Orlando City SC- Julian Buescher (CM, Syracuse)

It would be a surprise if Buescher were to fall to Orlando City, but the Lions wouldn't mind if he did. The center midfielder is tactically aware and is a nice young asset to add to a midfield that already includes Kaká.

8. San Jose Earthquakes- Kyle Fisher (CB, Clemson)

The Earthquakes experienced a slew of backline injuries throughout the past season and were unable to produce any depth to fill the holes. Fisher, who helped lead Clemson to the College Cup final, was one of the best center-backs in the country.

9. Toronto FC- Richie Laryea (MF, Akron)

Toronto FC, without a true winger, take one in Laryea, who is a native of Toronto. He is a Canadian youth international and played for a storied college program in Akron.

10. New England Revolution- Tony Alfaro (CB, Cal State Dominguez Hills)

Yet another club that is looking for depth in defense, the Revolution go with Alfaro, a center-back who some doubt due to his level of college, but is big enough and has a good enough weak foot to stick in this league.

11. Sporting Kansas City- Ben Polk (F, Syracuse)

Sporting are pretty stout in terms of depth, but one place that could need improvement is at back-up forward. Polk can fill that hole, and he has even drawn comparisons to SKC's Dom Dwyer.

12. Los Angeles Galaxy- Omar Holness (MF, North Carolina)

Many want the Galaxy to go with a full-back like Keegan Rosenberry here, but Holness would be a good fit should he fall this far. He is seen as a good box-to-box runner in central midfield, and could be a nice depth option if injury problems arise.

13. D.C. United- Todd Wharton (MF, Virginia)

DC United could be looking for a replacement for Perry Kitchen at defensive midfielder, and Wharton is a good option. Signs point to Kitchen not re-signing, making Wharton and United a good match.

14. Montreal Impact- Cole Seiler (CB, Georgetown)

Seiler, Yaro's partner in defense at Georgetown, quietly had a productive season. The Impact need center-backs, so why not go with Seiler?

15. Seattle Sounders- Eric Verso (MF, Stanford)

The Sounders will go for center midfielders; Verso is nice option, although not talked about a ton. The Stanford product went through the Galaxy academy and showed smarts on the ball.

16. Vancouver Whitecaps- Dennis Castillo (RB, VCU)

With Steven Beitashour gone, the Whitecaps need a right-back. Dennis Castillo, a former center-back and expert one-on-one defender, could fit nicely in Vancouver,

17. FC Dallas- Tyler David (CB, Saint Louis)

David has soccer roots–his father played professionally and earned caps with the Trinidad & Tobago national team–and can give FC Dallas good CB depth.

18. New York Red Bulls- Zach Carroll (CB, Michigan State)

The Red Bulls need a center-back after the departure of Damien Perrinelle and could be looking in the direction of Zach Carroll. The Michigan State product has good size and awareness.

19. Columbus Crew SC- Fabian Herbers (F, Creighton)

The Crew need a backup for Kei Kamara, and Herbers could be that player. He has a good shot and is regarded highly by scouts.

20. Portland Timbers- Andrew Tarbell (GK, Clemson)

Without a clear need, the Timbers take talented goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell with the last pick in the first round.