With the MLS SuperDraft coming up on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., it’s time to look ahead at what the Timbers may be looking to acquire with the 20th and 40th picks. But before we get to specific names, it’s important to take stock of the reality of the Timbers’ drafting position and identify realistic areas of need that Portland can fill in the draft.
First, it’s important to keep in mind how valuable the 20th pick -- last in the 1st Round -- really is: Not very. The back half of the first round of the draft becomes a bit of a crapshoot, as the lack of depth in recent MLS SuperDrafts has limited the field to a relatively limited number of clear MLS prospects.