MLS Mock Draft: Whitecaps Select Damion Lowe with No. 7 Pick

It's no secret that the Vancouver Whitecaps have several holes to fill on the backline. As of writing, CB Jay Demerit has yet to sign a contract and RB YP Lee has retired, leaving a thin spot on an otherwise well stocked backline. While the 'Caps will assuredly be searching the market for a known quantity to fill the RB position, the 'Caps may also want to look at selecting a defender in the first round instead of the offense heavy selections of the past.

Standing at 6'3 and 175 pounds, Hartford Hawks defender Damion Lowe is anything but a 'slam-dunk' selection, but his potential would make for a very intriguing pick. Considering his stature, the young CB definitely has the size to hang with the big boys in MLS, but he could probably stand to add a few more pounds to his frame. However, could you imagine a future pairing of Lowe and, say, another young, athletic CB in Carlyle Mitchell? If Lowe could be what the Whitecaps need him to be; a sparkplug that can move the ball well up the pitch, he could ease the transition for the eventual departure of Demerit (which could come sooner than later).

Who the Experts Say Vancouver Will Pick: Cyle Larin or Joe Sofia. Sofia is not a bad pick, again because the 'Caps are thin at the left and right back position. Larin's name has also been mentioned in the same breath as the Whitecaps, as his creativity in mid may just be too tempting to pass up. It should be mentioned that Larin can't actually be picked, he'll be back at school next season.

Why I'm Invariably Wrong: The Whitecaps have been known to select the best player available, and admittedly, Lowe is a bit of a stretch for 7th overall. The 'Caps have two young CB's that could become future stars in the league, Carlyle Mitchell and Johnny Leveron, in addition to veteran stalwart Andy O'Brien. The club is continuing discussions with Demerit as well, so he could be back. In all, there are a lot of people pencilled in for the CB spot, so Lowe's services may not be required.

Why I'm Smarter Than the Pundits: Again, his tantalizing talent may just be too much to pass up. While the Whitecaps cupboard is stocked pretty deep at CB, the Whitecaps are known for injuries, especially to their back line. Even if everybody does stay healthy, it would be a no pressure situation for Lowe, who could earn his time and watch a guy like O'Brien or Demerit work.

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

First Round

Second Round