Most people know one of Atlanta United’s first-round draft picks from 2017. Julian Gressel is a household name in MLS. The young German, drafted out of Providence college, impressed during his rookie year in 2017, winning MLS Rookie of the Year honors in his first season. He followed up that stellar year with an even more impressive 2018, tying for first on the team in assists with 14, good enough to match MLS MVP runner-up, Miguel Almiron.
What most people don’t realize is that Atlanta United’s first pick in franchise history wasn’t actually Gressel. They grabbed Gressel eighth overall in 2017, but they also picked second overall that season, taking center-back Miles Robinson.