The 2023 Premier Lacrosse League college draft is almost here and much of the discourse this time of year centers around which players fit best for each team. Instead, let’s look at that discussion from the other perspective.
The team that drafts a player holds an important role in their development as a professional. What role a player falls into as a rookie can have a massive impact on what their career turns into.
With that being said, here’s the top landing spots for the top prospects in the 2023 PLL Draft.
Sam Handley, Penn (Midfield)
Best Landing Spots: Chrome, Redwoods, Cannons (pending a trade)
It’s been an interesting pre-draft process for Penn midfielder Sam Handley. The titanic offensive force started the college season as the presumed first overall selection, but some recent mock drafts have Handley going in the middle of the first round.
Yet, which teams could use Handley the most?
Cannons are the team that could most use Handley. He could fill the void of Paul Rabil and finally add another star creator to the roster. However, the last regime mismanaged Cannons’ draft assets and it would be almost impossible for new head coach Brian Holman to land Handley. This leaves Chrome as a likelier landing spot for the Quakers star.
Head coach Tim Soudan said he would select Cornell defenseman Gavin Adler if he were available at four, but that opportunity seems less likely by the day. If the feisty defender isn’t available and Atlas pass on the Penn middie, Handley is the natural fit for the Chrome midfield.
John Ranagan retired this offseason, Ned Crotty retired before last season and Jackson Morrill will play more at attack with Brendan Nichtern’s limited availability. Chrome needs more production and creativity from the midfield and Handley would provide that in spades. While Soudan has plenty of options with the fourth pick, including potentially drafting defender Brett Makar, he mentioned that he plans to target one of the top offensive players in the draft first, making Handley a potential candidate.
Yet, the Redwoods could also swoop in and take Handley. Redwoods have a pair of physical freaks in midfield with Sergio Perkovic and Myles Jones. However, both players — especially Perkovic — are coming off disappointing seasons. It sounds like heresy given those players’ pedigrees, but could Handley be an upgrade in midfield?
Now, all this isn’t to say that Handley wouldn’t thrive on plenty of other teams. Coach Mike Pressler could decide to add yet another physical dodger with range to his arsenal and any of the other remaining teams would happily add the midfielder if given the chance. Wherever Handley lands, he’ll be a starter from day one.
