Redwoods Lacrosse Club
If the draft is any indication, Redwoods will play a different style of lacrosse than the last few seasons. If there’s one word that defines head coach Nat St. Laurent’s draft it’s transition.
With the second overall pick, the Woods opted for Delaware defender Owen Grant. Many — myself included — assumed that St. Laurent’s eye towards players drafted to the NLL meant an offensive player like Thomas McConvey, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NLL Draft.
However, Redwoods instead opted for the impressive Canadian defender Grant, who was taken third overall by the Vancouver Warriors. He’s a versatile player who will play LSM, close defense and faceoff wings for the Woods and his skillset will help manufacture more transition opportunities.
St. Laurent went with another player built for transition in the second round. Former Yale and current Notre Dame midfielder Brian Tevlin is a true jack of all trades who is tailor-made for a two-way midfield role as a professional.
In the later rounds, the Redwoods added more depth to fill out the roster. Syracuse midfielder Cole Kirst is the type of big, physical midfielder Redwoods like to build around, and he has enough talent to contribute as a professional. Faceoff specialist Zach Cole gives the Woods needed depth behind TD Ierlan and high upside depth at that.
This wasn’t the flashy draft some expected, but it fits a clear vision for the roster and filled in key positions on the team particularly on the back end. It’s now on the coaching staff to make this new vision work on the field.
Best Pick: Brian Tevlin (Midfield), Notre Dame (2nd Round)
Overall Grade: A-
