BY RIDGE MAHONEY
The top two choices didn't surprise anybody. The consensus is that #1 Alecko Eskandarian is far enough along in his development that he won't struggle to contribute offensively as many first-round picks have done and #2 Ricardo Clark has the quickness, speed and tenacity to anchor a midfield.
#3 Nate Jaqua has the size (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) to withstand harsh treatment, and as a Project-40 player doesn't count against the roster limit. Still, the Fire will need something else to rebuild its depleted front line.
#4 Mike Magee turned down an MLS contract last year because the league office couldn't assure him he'd be able to play for Bob Bradley in Magee's hometown of Chicago. His European ventures didn't pan out, and the Metros (now under Bradley) were able to get him in exchange for Brad Davis, who adds yet another element to a crowded Burn midfield.
Dallas has received inquiries, including one from the Galaxy, about left-sided midfielder Antonio Martinez, but he is in his final option year and with dual Mexican-U.S. citizenship might try his luck in Mexico.
#5 David Stokes has impressed people during his college years and at the Combine. Defenders tend to do better as rookies in MLS than attackers, as Carlos Bocanegra, Nick Garcia, Danny Califf, Ryan Suarez and Jeff Stewart have shown in recent seasons. (Exceptions are Steve Shak, the No. 1 pick in 2000, and Billy Sleeth and Lee Morrison, first-round picks who didn't get regular playing time last year.)
Ditto for #6 Todd Dunivant. With a clearly defined (left back) position established and without the burden of carrying an attacking responsibility, he's a rather obvious choice. His ability as a left back was first showcased collegiately at the final four in 2001 after playing a lot of midfield earlier in his career.
If Wade Barrett leaves for a foreign team, Dunivant will be asked to step right in. Yet Barrett showed last year he can also play in the middle, and if he returns to MLS, those rumors of a Jeff Agoos trade to the Revs or K.C. might come true.
#7 Diego Walsh jumps into a Crew midfield unsettled by the retirement of Robert Warzycha and the uncertain futures of John Wilmar Perez and John Harkes. The latter is likely bound for D.C. Walsh is rated just a notch behind Clark and Eskandarian by many MLS coaches.
When a man as important as AEG president Tim Leiweke joins Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid for meetings with a prospect, you know it's serious. Those discussions have resulted in #8 Guillermo Gonzalez staying close to home. His incredible skills should have plenty of time to flourish.
Opinions of #9 Pat Noonan's potential are mixed. The Indiana senior raised his stock at the Combine, but then the likes of Jean Harbor did that, too. But Revs coach Steve Nicol hasn't make many mistakes yet.
#10 Shavar Thomas also showed well at the combine, and his physical tools are impressive. With Chris Gbandi, the top pick last year and Thomas' teammate at UConn in 2001, coming back from an injury, the Burn must stockpile some contingency choices.