NLL Insider

Who will be '09 NLL Rookie of the Year?

The 2008 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Entry Draft made history with the percentage of American field lacrosse players being drafted into the league higher than in any previous year. Highlighting the list of marquee names were Paul Rabil and Matt Danowski, respectively the No. 1 and No. 2 overall selections in the latest Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Entry Draft. But how good will these guys be indoors, and who are the top NLL rookies to watch in ’09?

Last season we predicted four of six ‘08 All-Rookie Team members in our Top 6 selections, including Rookie of the Year winner Craig Point. Hit the jump to see who we’ve projected to be the Top 10 NLL Rookies in 2009.

2009 NLL Rookie Rankings: Top 10

1. Rhys Duch, San Jose – The Stealth feel they’ve up-graded their offense with Duch over Wiles and point to the summer campaigns the two WLA teammates had in Victoria. There, the No. 3 overall selection Rhys Duch put up slightly better numbers, shot a ridiculous 33% during the regular season and tied Lewis Ratcliff with a team high 11 post-season points. NLL Insider’s Jenner, Pilson, Chavez and Tutka are all picking Duch to have a Rookie of the Year campaign, playing with an offensively talented San Jose Stealth team.

2. Daryl Veltman, Boston – Veltman, who Tutka pegged as the top pick 12 months back, has great bloodlines and skill. And as the No. 1 overall selection on an expansion franchise, he will be relied on to produce points – a reason why Shanny says Daryl Veltman will be the 2009 NLL Rookie of the Year. “We expect Daryl to be among our leading scorers,” added coach Tom Ryan, of Hobart College’s NCAA D1 record holder for career goals and points. “He has exceptional skills and game sense.”

3. Paul Rabil, San Jose – You’ve probably heard of him. The 6’3, 225 pound stud out of John Hopkins was named Inside Lacrosse’s player of the year and an All-MLL rookie in ’08, following his impressive six-goal performance for JHU in the NCAA final. “He has ridiculous skills,” GM Doug Locker said after the draft. “He’s one of the best pure athletes I’ve ever seen. … You just can’t stop him.” Rabil, the top pick in the MLL draft, was taken No. 2 overall by the Stealth.

4. Peter McFetridge, Calgary – Like fellow NLL teammate and ’07 first-round pick Dane Dobbie, McFetridge had a wicked summer of senior ‘A’ ball during New West’s run to the Mann Cup final and showed he’s ready for the NLL. Big, aggressive and fast, McFetridge will surely contend for All-Rookie honors. “Peter is a force to be reckoned with and is the fastest guy on our team right now,” added GM Brad Banister, when he signed the 6’3 defender in Sept.

5. Joe Walters, Rochester – A four-time All-American at Maryland, Walters shined during MLL action in ’08 – winning the MLL title, All-MLL and playoff MVP honors with 11 points in two playoff games. “He’s a great young man that has excelled at every level he has played and we expect the same in the indoor game,” said GM Regy Thorpe of the free agent signing. “He’s excited to start proving himself in the indoor game and can’t wait to get started.”

6. Matt Danowski, Colorado – The all-time leading scorer in NCAA history, with 353 points to Daryl Veltman’s 162, the No. 7 overall draft pick Danowski could very easily contend for the NLL rookie scoring lead. “He possesses great size and stick-work. His vision and athleticism are unmatched from any rookie I have ever seen,” added GM Steve Govett. “Matt has committed fully to indoor lacrosse, and it appears he has made a seamless transition.”

7. Jamie Floris, Edmonton – The No. 4 overall selection, Floris isn’t a big-time scorer but he does the little things right and showed well in New West’s recent run to the Mann Cup final. He’ll also get some power-play time early with the Rush. NLL Insider Lauren Ward says she can see Floris playing like a five-year vet, projecting him Rookie of the Year. “We are excited about our rookies and look forward to them making an impact right away,” added coach Bob Hamley.

8. Sean Morris, Boston – “Sean really impressed us in our two preseason scrimmages and will be given the chance to play early on,” said coach Tom Ryan of Morris, who showed potential by registering eight points in three games with San Jose last year. The Blazers were involved in a three-way trade to bring the former University of Massachusetts All-American and three-year MLL pro to Boston. “He has a quick first step and accurate outside shot.”

9. Stephen Peyser, New York – The Titans’ first pick No. 23 overall, Peyser looked good in his debut on draws (18-30) and should quickly adjust to the indoor game at the back-end. At 6’2, 220, he has the size, skill and speed to contribute and earn an All-Rookie selection. “He’s going to be an impact player. He can contribute in all areas of the floor and we see him only getting better,” said coach Ed Comeau of the former All-American middy out of Johns Hopkins.

10. Jordan Levine, Philadelphia – Not selected until No. 47 overall, the 5’8” Albany grad is now expected to be a regular in Philly’s line up with rookie defender Matt Bocklet, who the team also likes. A Top 10 selection in the MLL Entry Draft, Levine can contribute in transition. He picked up two assists and six gbs in his first NLL game. “He’s got tremendous quickness, explosiveness and is deceptively strong,” added coach Dave Huntley.

The No. 5 and No. 6 overall ‘08 NLL Entry Draft picks were not included in this ranking as Kevin Huntley remains unsigned by San Jose, and Curtis Manning has opted to play out his final year of collegiate eligibility with SFU. Manning is expected to suit-up for the Roughnecks next season.

Who are the other signed rookies who didn’t make the list? Well, for starters, the entire back half of the first-round from the 2008 NLL Entry Draft:

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Andrew Watt, Minnesota – No. 8 overall
Sean Thomson, Philadelphia – No. 9 overall
Ryan Campbell, Edmonton – No. 10 overall
Kevin Buchanan, Minnesota – No. 11 overall
Tim Campeau, Portland – No. 12 overall
Joe Cinosky, Minnesota – No. 13 overall

Think another rookie should be in our Top 10? How will the American field lacrosse players transition to the box game? And who will snag the year end Rookie of the Year hardware? Hit the NLL Forums and let us know.

Also, check Inside Lacrosse magazine for a closer look at this year’s draft, where Shanny provides his Draft Dark Horses and Tutka provides a Draft Future Watch and Draft Winners / Losers analysis.

For a look back at the combine, check out this video blog from Matt Danowski. And follow us each Tuesday as we bring you closer to the game with Rookie Rankings, insights and interviews from the game’s best young players.

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