Top Goalies
Owen McElroy (Georgetown)
As the top goalie in his class, Owen McElroy is outstanding between the pipes. He is leading the #1 defense in Division I lacrosse, which only averages 8 goals against per game. Not only are the Hoyas littered with long pole talent, but they also have an explosive keeper in McElroy, who has a save percentage of 62% (second in NCAA). With John Galloway retiring, Chrome LC could bring in McElroy to compete with Sean Sconone and Nick Washuta. The Waterdogs and Archers are two other teams who could target a goalie, despite already having established starters on their roster.
Likely Landing Spots: Archers, Chrome, Waterdogs
Brett Dobson (St. Bonaventure)
Brett Dobson has surprised many this year. As a self-proclaimed late-bloomer, Dobson has the top save percentage in Division I lacrosse at 66%. After listening to him on The Post Game podcast, I was thoroughly impressed.
He’s a Canadian talent that went to St. Bonaventure in its first year as a program. He helped to take the team from 0-15 their first season to 10-3 this season. The only knock on Dobson is the lack of competition he’s faced at St. Bonaventure. With Drew Adams retiring, it’s not farfetched to see Dobson get picked up by the Archers. The Waterdogs are another team that could be looking to add another Canadian netminder to back up Dillon Ward in cage.
Likely Landing Spots: Archers, Chrome, Waterdogs
Mike Adler (Duke)
Depending on how many goalies get drafted this year, Mike Adler might sneak his way into the PLL draft. He began his career at St. Joseph’s University before transferring to Duke for his final two years, currently with a solid 53% save percentage. Even if Adler goes undrafted, it’s possible that we see Adler picked up following the draft and invited to compete for a backup position at training camp, especially if Duke misses the NCAA tournament and players like Blaze Riorden and Dillon Ward are out due to the NLL playoffs.
Likely Landing Spots: Archers, Chrome, Waterdogs
Other Notable Goalies: Brendan Krebs, Colin Kirst
Takeaways
This is one of the most balanced draft classes in recent memory. Each position has at least one to two players that could secure a starting position very early on in the season. So who’s going to win the 2022 PLL College Draft?
I think it’s safe to say Chrome will take Chris Gray with the first overall pick. With the #2 and #5 pick, the Atlas have a phenomenal opportunity to bolster its roster with both an offensive player and defensive player. And if somehow, someway Canadian Jon Donville falls to the Chaos, get another Gatorade shower ready for Coach Andy Towers.
Steve Gagliardi is the founder of LaxFarmer.com – the premier online resource for finding the best lacrosse gear, equipment, and footwear.
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