SB Nation MLS Mock Draft 2013: Sounders Select Eric Hurtado, Machael David

The biggest qualifier in a mock draft is that these are best guesses about how a team will pick. With the Seattle Sounders FC having such a low draft pick, again, and demonstrating a willingness to develop players rather than pick for need the SB Nation MLS Mock Draft saw Eric Hurtado and Machael David fall to slots where the Sounders could conceivably pick them in real life.

When putting on your Adrian & Co. hat it is important to remember that they do not scout just UCLA, but do more thoroughly scout the California colleges. Every year they also look more into players with Cascadia connections at any level. The recent addition of the Sounders U23s should mean that players with experience in the Northwest Division are also more well known to this team.

Using those filters my little board had a few players targeted, mostly talents that are anticipated to go in the second round. But in the mock draft two players that could be seen as first round picks were available and grabbed.

16th Pick - Erik Hurtado (Santa Clara, Timbers U23) - The Timbers were rumored to try and claim the speedy, skillful forward/winger. Many mocks see him going around 10-14 if he fell to 16 he would have to be considered regardless of perceived need. Picking Hurtado would not be about trolling the Timbers, but would be about adding a quality player with United States U-18 experience.

35th Pick - Machael David (UC Santa Barbara, Tacoma Tide '11) - A strong defensive midfielder expected to go early in the second round, David has a bit of an injury history and does not fill a need. Still, the Sounders do not need college help now and could groom him to become a contributor in the future. He is a Tacoma native which should not hurt his stock.