2019 NLL Draft Preview

As the Vancouver Warriors prepare for the 2019 NLL Entry Draft on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, General Manager Dan Richardson and his management team are in place to welcome the future to the West Coast.

Having scoured draft lists and talking to scouts, coaches and teams from all over North America, Richardson and the Warriors aren’t scheduled to make their first selection until the 4^th round (52^nd overall).  However, that doesn’t mean the Warriors will stand idly by.

“We have spoken with every team and are always looking to improve our club,” states Richardson.  “As we get closer to the actual draft, teams will identify players that they may want, and that includes the Warriors.  If there is a player or a pick that we can move on that we see improving our team, then we certainly have to consider it.”

The Warriors inherited a franchise that had traded out their first and second round selections in both the 2018 and 2019 NLL Entry Drafts, something that Vancouver will have to overcome as they enter this year’s festivities in Philly.

“It would be easy to use no high draft picks as an excuse to fail,” comments Richardson.  “The draft is just one way for a team to get better, not the only way.  It is important for us to focus on what we can do to improve this team and not dwell on what we cannot control.”

What does Richardson see that his team needs to be better?  “We will always look to improve every position,” says Richardson.  “For this draft and between now and the start of our training camp, we will look at players that possess great speed, good defensive ability and a good lacrosse IQ.  No matter what the position, we expect every player to challenge for a roster spot and make our team better.” 

Dan Richardson has Assistant General Manager Ken Thomas and Head Coach Chris Gill in Philadelphia alongside, allowing the trio to have the conversations and make the decisions necessary to allow for the best chance for success at the draft.  

It should be an interesting draft and let’s see what the Warriors will do as everything begins on Tuesday night.  Last year, both Dallas Wade and Jean-Luc Chetner were late round picks that made the Warriors opening roster.  Let’s see what Dan and his team will do next.

Watch the 2019 NLL Draft for free on B/R Live, with coverage starting at 3:30 PM Pacific time.