MLS Mock Draft: Impact take A.J. Corrado with No. 10 pick

Frank Klopas immediately identified gaps in the back-line and in the wide areas during his inaugural press conference in mid-december 2013. The ex-Chicago Fire head coach also holds the title of ''Director of Player Personnel'', which gives him final say on the first team.

His previous experience as technical director will weigh in a lot as Matt Jordan has been promoted to technical director of the club, which includes duties for the MLS SuperDraft.

Back to A.J Corrado, the young midfielder joined Indiana for the 2011 season and has been since an important player for the Hoosiers. He led them to the 2012 College Cup as as the Hoosiers took home their 8th NCAA title. Tagged as a playmaker, his defensive work has been praised lately while still filling out the important of distributing balls precisely.

You might say that Patrice Bernier can do that already but the Impact still needs to invest into the future. Even with Zakaria Messoudi (Academy Product) as an interesting option for the future, getting quality players from the draft that can contribute right now is a possibility.

Corrado is considered a a pure playmaker with a smart final pass which will give needed competition to Felipe Martins and better options for the team.

What the Impact will be looking for in the draft: Frank Klopas quickly identified the back-line as an area that needs to improve, especially since Alessandro Nesta retired. But the club is looking for some offensive help as the midfield options offensively are average at best. The Impact has been too predictable offensively and need a more mature system.

Who the experts say the Impact will pick: Either Ben Sweat or A.J. Cochrane as Zee Other Experts are mock-selecting central defenders for the Impact. With Karl W. Ouimette and Wandrille Lefevre looking for more MLS minutes, outside a real gem that becomes available at the draft, I do not see the Impact pick a defender in the 1st round.

Why I'm invariably wrong: The 2013 MLS SuperDraft is said to be one rich with quality central defenders. Klopas does have an eye to get quality young defenders as he took in Austin Berry and Jalil Anibaba , while he was with the Chicago Fire.

Why I'm smarter than the pundits: The Impact will take the best player available but Klopas' arrival might change that vision into picking all-around players that are ready physically and technically to play in the MLS. With 2 academy players pushing for to play at the back, Montreal will most likely get experience defenders if need be and Adrian Lopez will be back by March 2014 (knee surgery in August-September 2013).

Why not go for some offensive talent like A.J. Corrado?

Full Mock Draft results (click on player names to see the profiles)

First Round

Second Round