2024 NWSL Draft: Open Thread

Join Stumptown Footy's draft party!

Credit: Kyle Ross - USA TODAY SPORTS

When: Friday, January 12 at 5pm

Where: ION & ION+

What: The Portland Thorns have the 11th (1st round), 23rd & 25th (2nd round), 39th (3rd round), and 53rd (4th) overall draft picks.

Reminder: Last year, Karina LeBlanc selected Reyna Reyes & Izzy D’Aquila in the first round. Then with their final two picks (24th and 32nd overall) they selected Michigan State Spartans, Lauren DeBeau & Lauren Kozal.

Biggest Draft Needs:

• Fullback x2

• Winger

Secondary Draft Needs:

• Center back (even if Becky Sauerbrunn returns)

• Attacker with ability to play central and out wide

Top Choices at #11

• Makenna Morris - Clemson (Defender/FWD)

• Brecken Mozingo - BYU (Winger)

• Talia Staude - Virginia (CB)

• Amanda West - Pittsburgh (Winger)

  • Would take international slot (Canada)

• Avery Patterson - North Carolina (Winger)

• Reilyn Turner - UCLA (Winger)

• Kennedy Wesley - Stanford (CB/RB)

This draft is very simple for Karina LeBlanc and Mike Norris.

Best Player Available (BPA)

They are set at fullback with Reyna Reyes occupying one side for the next decade and need to bring back Natalia Kuikka or draft multiple options. Reyes’ versatility allows the team to select the best fullback available whether that be left or right. She was one of the best players available in the draft and somehow dropped to #5. That sort of value exists in this draft, although it may not be as top heavy as years past.

Being at #11 is a tough position to be in, but at the same time a simple task. Every year players skyrocket on boards and go into the first round. LeBlanc and Norris will be able to select a player in the first round that should not have been available.

Drafts have always been about value and talent. The 2024 NWSL draft is no different.

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Who are you hoping gets picked up by the Portland Thorns? What are their biggest needs?