Fan Perspective of the 2024 Chaos Draft

2024 Chaos Draft

The looming PLL draft signals a significant moment for Chaos, marking the first official drafting of a PLL player to the Carolinas. Positioned at fourth, the Chaos face an intriguing scenario with three highly touted offensive stars likely to all be picked with the top three selections. However, despite missing out on these marquee players, the Chaos won't be scraping the bottom of the barrel.

To understand the potential targets for the Chaos, it's crucial to assess the team’s performance this past year and where they’ll need to improve.

Looking Back:

Offensive Output:

While the Chaos' offensive statistics placed them in the middle of the pack, there were notable highlights. Their efficiency in shooting, particularly in scoring and 2-point shooting percentages, showcased a team capable of capitalizing on opportunities. Rookie Brian Minicus emerged as a true difference maker in the attack, tying with seasoned star Josh Byrne for the lead in scores. Despite being a second-round pick, and a criticized one at that, Minicus displayed remarkable potential, underscoring the effectiveness of the team's scouting and development efforts.

The addition of free agent Jules Heningburg adds depth and experience to the Chaos' attack, complementing the potential of rising talents like Minicus and Tye Kurtz and the star power of Byrne and Chris Cloutier.

Defensive Dominance:

On the other side of the field, the Chaos, buoyed by All-World Goalie Blaze Riorden's continued exceptional play, displayed why they’re one of the best defenses in the league. The Scorps Corps, featuring stalwarts such as Troy Reh, Jack Rowlette, Jarrod Neumannm and Ian McKay, was further improved by contributions from standout rookies Will Bowen and Nick Rowlette. Riorden's prowess in saves and save percentage, coupled with Bowen and Rowlette's defensive contributions (tops on the team and among league leaders in ground balls and caused turnovers), solidified Chaos' defense as the league's preeminent unit.

Peering Ahead:

Despite a disappointing 2023 season the Chaos have reason for optimism. The instant impact of their 2023 draft class signals a turning point, providing a strong foundation for future success. Rookies Bowen, Minicus, Kurtz, and Rowlette all made substantial contributions to the squad and look to be a big part of the club’s future.

This most recent draft was a great and necessary influx of talent as the previous few drafts yielded very little for Chaos. For the most part, players taken in those drafts either haven’t panned out or have blossomed for other squads. The 2023 rookie class was a massive boost to the red and black and is hopefully the start of a quick rise back to the top of the league. With that in mind, the rest of the league also continues to improve as more and more talent enters the PLL. This 2024 draft class will be crucial for Chaos’ ascension.

Let’s take a look at who some of the top choices might be for the Stingers.

ATTACK:

Matt Brandau: If the Chaos want to focus on continuing to upgrade their attack, the top option likely to be available to them will be Yale’s Matt Brandau. The Bulldogs’ all-time leader in both assists and goals is a versatile offensive player with elite scoring ability. He has played primarily at the X for the last few seasons but has proven to also be extremely effective on the wings. His versatility and skills would pair well when Byrnes is in the lineup and out.

MIDFIELD:

Jake Stevens: Comparing anyone to Zach Currier seems sacrilegious but Stevens does a pretty great right-handed impression of the Waterdogs’ all-world middie. Stevens is impressive in every facet of the game for Syracuse. He’s a great dodger, an accurate shot, he’s dangerous on and off-ball, and an absolute hoover for ground balls. With roster limitations these do-it all midfielders come at a premium and Stevens could be a great addition to a reworked Chaos unit.

Shane Knobloch: While Stevens is a jack of all trades, Knobloch is a master of offense. At 5-9

and 200 pounds Shane is incredibly strong and shifty and an assassin shooting with either

hand. The Rutgers All-American has gone up against some of the best defenders in college and made them all miss. He’s arguably the best dodger in the draft and echoes last year's Rookie of the Year, Tucker Dordevic.

Graham Bundy: Stevens is the best dodging midfielder in the draft but Bundy might be the best spot-up shooter at the position. Towers double-dipped from Georgetown last year and might not be done adding Hoyas to his squad. Bundy is absolute sharp-shooter and a load to handle from the midfield position. He’s going to be able to use his strength from day-one and be a real threat from beyond the arc. Carolina signed Sergio Perkovic from the Redwoods in free agency and Graham could be the 2.0 version of the Queen City Hitman.

DEFENSE:

Ajax Zappitello: Defense dominated the first round last year but the only top defender I see

going in the first round this year is Maryland’s Zappitello. Ajax has been a shut-down close

defender for multiple years now and was honored with the prestigious #1 jersey for the

Terrapins. Everyone is looking for players strong enough to deal with players like Asher Nolting while also fast enough to keep up with Michael Sowers. Zappitello might be one of the few prospects who can do both. He would form a shutdown unit with last year’s first rounder, Will Bowen.

GOALIE:

Liam Entenmann: Full disclosure, I do not foresee Chaos drafting the talented Notre Dame

goalie. It just doesn't make sense to draft Blaze’s backup. However, Entenmann is the most

highly touted goalie prospect to come out in years and could be the highest goalie ever drafted in PLL history. He’s listed here because many feel he is the fourth best player in the draft and could be a prime target for a team looking to move up. In one of the most talented and deepest drafts in recent memory Carolina could trade down with a goalie-needy team and get more picks.