MLS Mock Draft 2016: Who will the Whitecaps Pick?

On January 14th, representatives from the Vancouver Whitecaps will be in Baltimore, Maryland to take part in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. While it's always difficult to predict exactly which player will go where (except, maybe for consensus number 1 pick Josh Yaro), blog managers for SBNation have done their best in trying to fill some areas of need for their respective clubs.

I had the pleasure of making the Whitecaps selections, which you can find below. Don't forget to comment and tell us who you would like to see don the Whitecaps blue and white next season.

Round 1
1. Chicago Fire - Josh Yaro
2. Colorado Rapids - Jack Harrison
3. Philadelphia Union - Brandon Vincent
4. NYCFC - Jonathan Campbell
5. Real Salt Lake - Julian Buescher
6. Philadelphia Union - Omar Holness
7. Orlando City - Richie Laryea
8. San Jose Earthquakes - Jordan McCrary
9. Toronto FC - Keegan Rosenberry
10. New England Revolution-Kyle Fisher
11. Sporting KC - Tony Alfaro
12. LA Galaxy - Michael Salazar
13. D.C. United - Fabian Herbers
14. Montreal Impact - Zach Carroll
15. Seattle Sounders - James Moberg

#16-Ben Polk, Fwd. Syracuse University

While the Whitecaps could also use some more depth on the backline, their biggest problem last season was an inability to score, especially down the stretch. Having a healthy Pedro Morales for the entire season could remedy that, but the Whitecaps could get a real gem in Ben Polk, if he falls to 16.

The Whitecaps have seemingly always had the strategy of picking the best player available, and Polk has been very well received in several scouting reports. Some call him MLS-ready, some compare him to Dom Dwyer. With question marks abound in the Whitecaps attack, Polk could find himself with some meaningful minutes if he does land in Vancouver.

17. FC Dallas - Andrew Tarbell
18. New York Red Bulls - Cole Seiler
19. Columbus Crew SC - Dennis Castillo
20. Portland Timbers - Michael Gamble

Round 2

21. Columbus Crew SC - Timo Pitter22. Colorado Rapids - Vincent Keller
23. Philadelphia Union - Liam Doyle
24. Montreal Impact - Hadji Berry25. Real Salt Lake - Eric DeJulio
26. Houston Dynamo - Josh Turnley
27. Seattle Sounders - Todd Wharton
28. San Jose Earthquakes - Chase Minter

29. Vancouver Whitecaps - Tim Kubel, D, University of Louisville

The Whitecaps have a good crop of youngsters in their backline, but the right back spot has become a little thin with the trade of Steven Beitashour to TFC. Tim Kubel obviously wouldn't step into Beta's spot immediately, but he's got plenty of upside and could become a useful player for the club down the road. A native of Germany, Kubel has shown some good, offensive instincts while playing in the USA at the University of Louisville.

He's got some competition though; Jordan Smith and Tim Parker are among the other youngsters looking to get minutes at that position. Parker has spent most of his time at center back but has been used on the right in the past, and could again if Robinson wants Pa Modou Kah to be a regular fixture in the lineup.

30. New England Revolution - Patrick Hodan 
31.Columbus Crew SC - Duncan Backus
32. Orlando City - Tsubasa Endoh
33. Chicago Fire - Ivan Magalhaes
34. Montreal Impact - Eric Verso
35. Seattle Sounders - Chris Hellman

36. Vancouver Whitecaps - D, Max Lachoweki, Notre Dame

The Whitecaps could also use some depth at Left Back, where Sam Adekugbe is poised to have a breakout year. Jordan Harvey remains on the roster as a very serviceable backup and potential starter, but the pickings are slim after that.

Lachoweki seems excited to just be invited to the combine and may be a reach with the 36th pick, but a good showing might endear himself to Whitecaps management.

37. FC Dallas - Zach Mathers
38. New York Red Bulls - Thomas Libiih
39. Montreal Impact - Emmanuel Appiah
40. Portland Timbers - Callum Irving
41. Columbus Crew SC - Elias Gomez

What are your thoughts? Any prospects you'd like to see the 'Caps pick up?