2024 PLL Season

[Lax Mouse]

A potential starting offensive 6 of O'Neill, Brandau, Zawada, Handley, Wisnauskas, and Dobson would be quite the handful physically

 

[DoctahLexus]

Added this to Fanlax but would love to hear everyone's thoughts here too!

I took a first stab at a mock draft for this year and wow is it tough. The depth at the attack position is overwhelming, as is the lack of it on the defensive end. I think there are quite a few consensus top players that might fall a bit as teams try to snag players on the defensive end early. I've been debating doing a team by team preview in the coming weeks, but we'll see what my schedule looks like.

For the record, I'm not sold on O'Neill as the top pick, especially as the best fit for the Outlaws offense, but for the time being I'm sticking with it. There's enough offensive players to add complementary pieces later.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, good or bad.


Round Pick Team Player Position

1 1 (1) Outlaws Brennan O'Neill Attack
1 2 (2) Atlas Connor ShellenbergerAttack
1 3 (3) Whipsnakes Ajax Zappitello Defense
1 4 (4) Chaos Pat Kavanagh Attack
1 5 (5) Atlas Liam Entenmann Goalie
1 6 (6) Cannons Shane Knobloch Midfield
1 7 (7) Waterdogs Jake Piseno LSM
1 8 (8) Archers Kenny Brower Defense

2 1 (9) Outlaws Matt Brandau Attack
2 2 (10) Atlas Mason Woodward Defense
2 3 (11) Outlaws Eric Dobson Midfield
2 4 (12) Chaos Scott Smith Defense/LSM
2 5 (13) Redwoods Beau Pederson SSDM
2 6 (14) Cannons TJ Malone Attack/Midfield
2 7 (15) Waterdogs Jake Stevens Midfield
2 8 (16) Archers Brett Martin SSDM

3 1 (17) Whipsnakes Ross Scott Attack/Midfield
3 2 (18) Redwoods Will Mark Goalie
3 3 (19) Outlaws Roy Meyer LSM
3 4 (20) Chaos Graham Bundy Midfield
3 5 (21) Redwoods Payton Cormier Attack/Midfield
3 6 (22) Whipsnakes Grant Haus SSDM
3 7 (23) Waterdogs Dyson Williams Attack/Midfield
3 8 (24) Archers Saam Olexo LSM

4 1 (25) Outlaws Josh Zawada Attack
4 2 (26) Atlas Garrett Degnon Attack/Midfield
4 3 (27) Whipsnakes Mike Robinson Attack/Midfield
4 4 (28) Chaos Levi Anderson Attack/Midfield
4 5 (29) Redwoods Christian Ronda Midfield
4 6 (30) Cannons Jake Naso /O
4 7 (31) Waterdogs JJ Sillstrop Attack/Midfield
4 8 (32) Archers Alex Vardaro Midfield

Would probably have Dobson as the top middie in the class. Tough dodge match up and can also burn you from 2 point range. I would want him over Knobloch.

Vardaro is a super speedy and productive middie who is having another good year with GTown after his time at Princeton. Think he could go higher than some of those guys in the 3rd and 4th round.

Degnon may go a little higher. The league values shooting like his, even if he is slightly weak in other areas. He is probably some kind of middie in the PLL. Also a serious threat from 2 point range.

 

[Lax Mouse]

All great players!

If you move them up, who gets bumped down?

I think the order that the middies go will depend on style of play and who's picking when. I think Knobloch is a much better fit for the Cannons offense. Agree that Dobson is a top middie, but I think coach Holman will value the positional versatility of a guy like Knobloch over the pure dodging of Dobson.

Full disclosure about Vardaro - I initially had him to the Archers at the end of Round 3, but remembered Olexo at the last minute (how could I forget). I felt like the Archers, even with snagging Brower in round one, could use some depth on the defensive end. Both Conners and Robbins are only contracted through 2024, and although the signed Shoemay through '25, they could use another pole for some depth. If he's still around in round four, I imagine the Atlas, Whipsnakes, Redwoods, and Waterdogs might give him a look over who I have mocked to them.

I like Degnon a lot, it's just a loaded offensive class. I do think he's not as one dimensional of a pure shooter as some may think - his dodging has improved tremendously. I like what he'd bring to an Atlas offense that has struggled with having a consistent deep shooting presence in a motion offense (obviously Costabile is a great shooter off the dodge, but Pressler also ran him into the ground and Curry, who I think really showed a lot of promise whenever he got touches last year, was relegated to the bench at times in favor of Pressler's former player O'Rourke). I think they and the Redwoods, Whipsnakes, and Cannons all could be interested in him in the later rounds.

 

[AD31]

All great players!

If you move them up, who gets bumped down?

I think the order that the middies go will depend on style of play and who's picking when. I think Knobloch is a much better fit for the Cannons offense. Agree that Dobson is a top middie, but I think coach Holman will value the positional versatility of a guy like Knobloch over the pure dodging of Dobson.

Full disclosure about Vardaro - I initially had him to the Archers at the end of Round 3, but remembered Olexo at the last minute (how could I forget). I felt like the Archers, even with snagging Brower in round one, could use some depth on the defensive end. Both Conners and Robbins are only contracted through 2024, and although the signed Shoemay through '25, they could use another pole for some depth. If he's still around in round four, I imagine the Atlas, Whipsnakes, Redwoods, and Waterdogs might give him a look over who I have mocked to them.

I like Degnon a lot, it's just a loaded offensive class. I do think he's not as one dimensional of a pure shooter as some may think - his dodging has improved tremendously. I like what he'd bring to an Atlas offense that has struggled with having a consistent deep shooting presence in a motion offense (obviously Costabile is a great shooter off the dodge, but Pressler also ran him into the ground and Curry, who I think really showed a lot of promise whenever he got touches last year, was relegated to the bench at times in favor of Pressler's former player O'Rourke). I think they and the Redwoods, Whipsnakes, and Cannons all could be interested in him in the later rounds.

Pressler started playing Curry more then O'Rourke the end of season. O'Rourke was a great Attackman in college due to his lefty cannon. He's like a Degnon but Degnon can dodge so much better and yes a better shot. Lol O'Rourke is not athletic enough to play midfield and not good enough to play attack in the PLL. Pressler has to sit him this yr and play Curry more he's just a much better midfielder. I like Degnon in that mix too the kid can dodge enough to contribute and he will be lethal with 2 pt shots with his rocket.

 

[Lax Mouse]

Oh yes, good point. He stuck with O'Rourke, went to Curry, and moved away from Curry when he brought in Myles Jones.

Between that and his treatment of Peter Dearth, who I genuinely thought was playing at a consistent and strong level, he really seemed to have it out for the Cuse guys in the roster. I'd expect something similar to happen to Porter this year with Troutner and potentially Entenmann added at #5.

Not sure what other life commitments he has, but I'd imagine that Dearth is one of the top SSDMs on the market, especially with a shallower crop in the draft.

 

[Lax Mouse]

Dan Arestia has his first mock draft of the season out: PLL Mock Draft 2024

For Cuse, he's got Jake Stevens going #4 overall to the Chaos and lists Will Mark as a player to watch for the Outlaws, and Saam Olexo for Whipsnakes.

Stevens feels like a good fit for the Chaos who have a number of versatile players already, but could use one with a more consistent offensive punch. I personally feel like #4 might be too early for him, and the Chaos have a solid cadre of short sticks and poles already. I like them looking to add some offensive firepower early and adding depth to the rope unit starting in the second round. But this could be a cultural fit that's hard for Towers to pass on.

I think the Atlas, Redwoods, and Outlaws are the most likely to be looking for a Goalie in this draft (a few others will likely add some depth in free-agency). Entenmann seems destined to be the first one off the board but Mark should likely be #2 or #3 in that group. I've got him going to the Redwoods - an ideal spot where he can learn behind Jack Kelly and compete for a starting spot sooner than later with Kelly's injury history. Outlaws have a wealth of picks (relatively) but I think they'd be smart to spend at least their first 2-3 picks on the offensive end. Not sure if Mark would be available later on, but it depends on when Entenmann goes.

Olexo to the Whipsnakes would be bittersweet - I'm hoping with Ehrhardt's retirement that Kennedy would get some more run at LSM, where I think he'd shine in the league if given a chance. But the Whips are suddenly a little thin with poles, and they'll likely want to add some significant depth to the defensive end and the middle of the field.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[FloridaCuse]

No games in Syracuse, EVER, due to Paul Rabil's hate of the Orange. Not interested.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

No games in Syracuse, EVER, due to Paul Rabil's hate of the Orange. Not interested.

I can't tell if this is sarcasm.

The MVP, best midfielder, and best goalie, are all named after former SU players.

Albany is just a better location and I don't think you can really do Albany and Syracuse.

 

[DoctahLexus]

I can't tell if this is sarcasm.

The MVP, best midfielder, and best goalie, are all named after former SU players.

Albany is just a better location and I don't think you can really do Albany and Syracuse.

You can do Syracuse and say screw Albany because their team sucks and they have done it there every damn year since the start of the PLL. I am essentially with Mr. Florida on this one.

 

[FloridaCuse]

You can do Syracuse and say screw Albany because their team sucks and they have done it there every damn year since the start of the PLL. I am essentially with Mr. Florida on this one.

Clearly Rabil would rather be right than enhance attendance. Stupid.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

You can do Syracuse and say screw Albany because their team sucks and they have done it there every damn year since the start of the PLL. I am essentially with Mr. Florida on this one.

You don’t mess with success.

 

[DoctahLexus]

You don’t mess with success.

When the city in question is the Mecca of college lacrosse, you should absolutely mess with success. Any concerns should go out the window. They can't have one day at the most historic and sacred city in lacrosse history in 5 damn years? Give me a freaking break. It would be like them going to DC instead of Baltimore every year because DC has slightly better hotels or some BS. You take a couple hits to play here. Oh but a random award is named after a cuse guy so its all good.

 

[DoctahLexus]

If we were just the closest city to the Onondaga nation, which along with being a massively important location in the Native American roots of the game, has produced dozens of legendary players in both pro and college, then you should play here.

If we were just the city with one of the most legendary high school teams in West Genny (so legendary freaking drills are named after them), the most legendary junior college team in OCC, nearby one of the most legendary DIII programs in Cortland, and one of the most legendary DII programs in Lemoyne, then you should play here.

If we were just the city that is home to a school in the top 2 most successful and legendary D1 college lacrosse programs in history, which the most important names and families in the sports history attended, then you should play here.

If we were just the birthplace of dozens of legendary coaches old and new, Simmons/Simmons Jr, Desko, Shay, Tiffany, Tambroni, Mike Messere, Sheehan, Albericci, the list goes on and on, not to mention the coaches that started their playing career at places at or nearby Syracuse, then you should play here.

But it turns out THAT WE ARE ALL THESE THINGS IN ONE FREAKING CITY! They have absolutely zero excuses for not bringing the traveling circus here ONE TIME IN FIVE YEARS!!

 

[FloridaCuse]

If we were just the closest city to the Onondaga nation, which along with being a massively important location in the Native American roots of the game, has produced dozens of legendary players in both pro and college, then you should play here.

If we were just the city with one of the most legendary high school teams in West Genny (so legendary freaking drills are named after them), the most legendary junior college team in OCC, nearby one of the most legendary DIII programs in Cortland, and one of the most legendary DII programs in Lemoyne, then you should play here.

If we were just the city that is home to a school in the top 2 most successful and legendary D1 college lacrosse programs in history, which the most important names and families in the sports history attended, then you should play here.

If we were just the birthplace of dozens of legendary coaches old and new, Simmons/Simmons Jr, Desko, Shay, Tiffany, Tambroni, Mike Messere, Sheehan, Albericci, the list goes on and on, not to mention the coaches that started their playing career at places at or nearby Syracuse, then you should play here.

But it turns out THAT WE ARE ALL THESE THINGS IN ONE FREAKING CITY! They have absolutely zero excuses for not bringing the traveling circus here ONE TIME IN FIVE YEARS!!

Three Cheers!!! Actually ELEVEN!!!

[I'd add three things -- leads the nation in college lacrosse attendance every year; rabid and knowledgable community lacrosse fan base, the only Div-1 college campus where lacrosse is as important as other sports (ask Joey Spallina).]

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

If we were just the closest city to the Onondaga nation, which along with being a massively important location in the Native American roots of the game, has produced dozens of legendary players in both pro and college, then you should play here.

If we were just the city with one of the most legendary high school teams in West Genny (so legendary freaking drills are named after them), the most legendary junior college team in OCC, nearby one of the most legendary DIII programs in Cortland, and one of the most legendary DII programs in Lemoyne, then you should play here.

If we were just the city that is home to a school in the top 2 most successful and legendary D1 college lacrosse programs in history, which the most important names and families in the sports history attended, then you should play here.

If we were just the birthplace of dozens of legendary coaches old and new, Simmons/Simmons Jr, Desko, Shay, Tiffany, Tambroni, Mike Messere, Sheehan, Albericci, the list goes on and on, not to mention the coaches that started their playing career at places at or nearby Syracuse, then you should play here.

But it turns out THAT WE ARE ALL THESE THINGS IN ONE FREAKING CITY! They have absolutely zero excuses for not bringing the traveling circus here ONE TIME IN FIVE YEARS!!

Have you been to a PLL event, let alone the one Albany hosts?

Edit: I must admit that i brought in a strawman. FloridaCuse was not necessarily saying don't go to Albany. He was saying the PLL should come to Syracuse. The cities don't need to be mutually exclusive. I think PLL brass will say that they are, but they don't necessarily need to be.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Have you been to a PLL event, let alone the one Albany hosts?

Edit: I must admit that i brought in a strawman. FloridaCuse was not necessarily saying don't go to Albany. He was saying the PLL should come to Syracuse. The cities don't need to be mutually exclusive. I think PLL brass will say that they are, but they don't necessarily need to be.

Would be fine with them also playing in Albany. But if logistically they have to chose between Syracuse and Albany... you simply have to chose cuse at least once. I am passionate about this subject. Rabil can (redacted). Have no hate for Albany until we meet on the lax field.

 

[FloridaCuse]

Have you been to a PLL event, let alone the one Albany hosts?

Edit: I must admit that i brought in a strawman. FloridaCuse was not necessarily saying don't go to Albany. He was saying the PLL should come to Syracuse. The cities don't need to be mutually exclusive. I think PLL brass will say that they are, but they don't necessarily need to be.

Actually what I was saying is because they don't come to Syracuse, and because of Rabil's animosity, I'm not interested in the PLL. There's enough other sports to watch. I remain passionate about college lacrosse.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[Lax Mouse]

Adam Lamberti's Big Board has:

#7 - Jake Stevens
#23 - Will Mark
#47 - Mason Kohn
#49 - Saam Olexo
#50 Matt Wright

63 players on it in total. 32 picks in the draft tonight.

Stevens is a lock, probably in the first two rounds. Most teams will probably have some level of interest.

Mark is my money for second goalie off the board. Outlaws, Redwoods, and Atlas could all be looking depending on how things shake out, but there are a number of other teams with aging starters or backups (Cannons, Chaos, Whipsnakes). Would be fairly suprised if the Waterdogs come calling, and slightly surprised if the Archers do.

Kohn/Olexo/Wright's draft chances probably hinge on whether or not a run at their position occurs (and Kohn's decision to turn pro or not). I'd expect some of them to get camp invites at the very least.

Lamberti: College Draft Big Board 2.0

PLL analyst Adam Lamberti releases his final Big Board ahead of the 2024 College Draft presented by Q-Collar.

premierlacrosseleague.com

 

[Powellfan]

 

[Powellfan]

Adam Lamberti's Big Board has:

#7 - Jake Stevens
#23 - Will Mark
#47 - Mason Kohn
#49 - Saam Olexo
#50 Matt Wright

63 players on it in total. 32 picks in the draft tonight.

Stevens is a lock, probably in the first two rounds. Most teams will probably have some level of interest.

Mark is my money for second goalie off the board. Outlaws, Redwoods, and Atlas could all be looking depending on how things shake out, but there are a number of other teams with aging starters or backups (Cannons, Chaos, Whipsnakes). Would be fairly suprised if the Waterdogs come calling, and slightly surprised if the Archers do.

Kohn/Olexo/Wright's draft chances probably hinge on whether or not a run at their position occurs (and Kohn's decision to turn pro or not). I'd expect some of them to get camp invites at the very least.

Lamberti: College Draft Big Board 2.0

PLL analyst Adam Lamberti releases his final Big Board ahead of the 2024 College Draft presented by Q-Collar.

premierlacrosseleague.com

I guess I’m a bit surprised Olexo hasn’t gotten more love from the general lacrosse world. I think he’d be a really good pro LSM. He’s aggressive and can score in transition. I’d have him higher on the board. Not sure how much it matters but he also played short stick his freshman year, so he has flexibility. Matt Wright has been good this year (see Cuse’s struggles vs Duke when he was out), but he doesn’t bring the transition juice that Olexo does.

 

[Lax Mouse]

I guess I’m a bit surprised Olexo hasn’t gotten more love from the general lacrosse world. I think he’d be a really good pro LSM. He’s aggressive and can score in transition. I’d have him higher on the board. Not sure how much it matters but he also played short stick his freshman year, so he has flexibility. Matt Wright has been good this year (see Cuse’s struggles vs Duke when he was out), but he doesn’t bring the transition juice that Olexo does.

I think there's a couple of factors at play, the first being, from what I've heard, that teams may be a little skeptical of his defensive ability at the next level. In my opinion, his explosiveness and ability to be a threat in transition, however, would make him a great fit with a team that already has a proven cover defender at LSM or who could just use depth there. I'm thinking the Outlaws, Whipsnakes, Waterdogs, or Archers could all consider him in the later rounds or as a camp signing. Even with Owen Grant moved to the PUP, I think the Redwoods have shored up the position with the trade for Jared Connors and the Atlas have Koby Smith (if they actually play him, unlike a year ago). Cannons seem set with Rall and Chick and the Chaos will have depth for now, but may be thinking about the future. I somewhat expect them to grab a pole earlier in the draft, though.

Another factor is how sneaky deep this draft may be with versatile poles looking at Lamberti's Big Board (Piseno, Woodward, Meyer, Carpenter, Mercurio, Zupicich, Olexo, Wright). Not to mention actual defenders (Zappitello, Brower, Smith, maybe Lavelle, Hudgins, Conlin, Bonitz, Szuluk). That's enough LSMs for each team to take one and the same goes for defenders. In a draft with an even more loaded offensive class, we could see a whole group of AA type players not get picked.

For what it's worth, I'd probably have Olexo as the 3rd or 4th LSM picked.

There's bound to be a handful of undrafted players that win roster spots.

 

[Powellfan]

I think there's a couple of factors at play, the first being, from what I've heard, that teams may be a little skeptical of his defensive ability at the next level. In my opinion, his explosiveness and ability to be a threat in transition, however, would make him a great fit with a team that already has a proven cover defender at LSM or who could just use depth there. I'm thinking the Outlaws, Whipsnakes, Waterdogs, or Archers could all consider him in the later rounds or as a camp signing. Even with Owen Grant moved to the PUP, I think the Redwoods have shored up the position with the trade for Jared Connors and the Atlas have Koby Smith (if they actually play him, unlike a year ago). Cannons seem set with Rall and Chick and the Chaos will have depth for now, but may be thinking about the future. I somewhat expect them to grab a pole earlier in the draft, though.

Another factor is how sneaky deep this draft may be with versatile poles looking at Lamberti's Big Board (Piseno, Woodward, Meyer, Carpenter, Mercurio, Zupicich, Olexo, Wright). Not to mention actual defenders (Zappitello, Brower, Smith, maybe Lavelle, Hudgins, Conlin, Bonitz, Szuluk). That's enough LSMs for each team to take one and the same goes for defenders. In a draft with an even more loaded offensive class, we could see a whole group of AA type players not get picked.

For what it's worth, I'd probably have Olexo as the 3rd or 4th LSM picked.

There's bound to be a handful of undrafted players that win roster spots.

Random question regarding eligibility - do players have to formally "declare" for the draft? I believe with the MLL, players had to submit paperwork to formally declare for the draft. Is it the same for the PLL, or can players just be chosen at will?

I see that Scott Smith is listed on the PLL big board, but Hopkins fans seem to think he is coming back. Given this is a big board put out by the PLL, I would think they have a pretty good idea of who is eligible/entering the draft. I assume that if you pick someone and they go back to school, you lose their rights.

I am not getting my hopes up for Mason Kohn to come back (that's what I am telling myself at least), but knowing from the PLL he's entered his name, or anyone with funny eligibility remaining (like Smith), that would be helpful. Lamberti has a note next to Lavelle's name that he's not sure about the eligibility piece, but not for Smith or Kohn. Would be nice to have a little bit more clarity about whose "in" and whose "out".

 

[Lax Mouse]

Random question regarding eligibility - do players have to formally "declare" for the draft? I believe with the MLL, players had to submit paperwork to formally declare for the draft. Is it the same for the PLL, or can players just be chosen at will?

I see that Scott Smith is listed on the PLL big board, but Hopkins fans seem to think he is coming back. Given this is a big board put out by the PLL, I would think they have a pretty good idea of who is eligible/entering the draft. I assume that if you pick someone and they go back to school, you lose their rights.

I am not getting my hopes up for Mason Kohn to come back (that's what I am telling myself at least), but knowing from the PLL he's entered his name, or anyone with funny eligibility remaining (like Smith), that would be helpful. Lamberti has a note next to Lavelle's name that he's not sure about the eligibility piece, but not for Smith or Kohn. Would be nice to have a little bit more clarity about whose "in" and whose "out".

I am genuinely unsure. I feel like they have to let the league know somehow?

But on the flip side, I've read articles from league sources and listened to coaches/commentators essentially say that they had to reach out to players personally to see if they'd be available or interested.

And there's always a player or two who is drafted every year who ends up going back to school or doing something else. So it doesn't seem like the most formal or certain system if that is the case.