2024 PLL Round 1 Mock Draft: O'Neill, Shellenberger, Kavanagh go 1-2-3

These mock drafts are a more of what I think each team should do rather than an insider 'prediction' of what team will do. Stay tuned for Rounds 2-4 soon! Without further ado...

#1: Denver Outlaws - Brennan O'Neill (Attack - Duke)

Not sure what else needs to be said about O’Neill. He’s a rare blend of skill, speed, and power. Many think Shellenberger should be the pick here to pair with Wisnauskas, but I’m not sure how you pass on such a special talent that is already proven at the next level.

#2: New York Atlas - Connor Shellenberger (Attack - Virginia)

In the running for the #1 overall pick, Shellenberger is just so good at lacrosse. A selfless, two-handed superstar, he lets the game come to him but can quickly take over a game when needed. He would be reunited with 2023 UVA linemate Xander Dickson.

#3: Maryland Whipsnakes - Pat Kavanagh (Attack - Notre Dame)

The last pick in a clear 1,2,3 order, Kavanagh is a borderline perfect pairing alongside Zed Williams and Matt Rambo on the Whipsnakes attack. He’ll operate from X, where he can use his vision and feel for the game to keep the Whips offense flowing.

#4: Carolina Chaos - Eric Dobson (Midfield - Notre Dame)

I’m not sure what the Chaos will do here so I’ll give them Dobson, a powerful shooting midfielder that Head Coach Andy Towers is sure to love.

#5: New York Atlas - Liam Entennman (Goalie - Notre Dame)

The Atlas traded away Chris Gray to get this pick and I think they are eyeing up Entennman, the best goalie in this class. He seems like a guy who will be an All-Star throughout his career.

#6: Boston Cannons - Shane Knobloch (Midfield - Rutgers)

The Cannons could use another weapon out of the midfield, and Knobloch is a good one. Two-handed with an uncanny ability to separate off the split, Knobloch is such a fun player to watch and should fare well at the next level.

#7: Philadelphia Waterdogs - Ajax Zappitello (Defense - Maryland)

The Waterdogs are happy to scoop up the top defenseman in Zappitello after a flurry of offensive players selected. A dependable righty from a school that produces top defenseman, he’ll anchor an already sturdy Waterdogs defense.

#8: Utah Archers - Jake Stevens (SSDM/Midfield - Syracuse)

With Latrell Harris’ injury late in the season, the Archers are down to two ‘true’ short stick middies. While Stevens isn’t necessarily a lockdown short-stick SSDM in the mold of a Danny Logan, his versatility and threat in transition make him a safe bet as a quality starter.