Having the second overall selection in the 2012 SuperDraft, Vancouver were always at the mercy of the Impact regarding what direction they would head in terms of their pick. It was almost a given that Akron attacker Darren Mattocks and Duke's Andrew Wenger would go one-two, but with Montreal having the first choice the Whitecap's wants would be determined by Montreal's needs. In the end, the first pick was Wenger, a jack of all trades, and Vancouver wasted no time selecting one of the most prolific goal scorers out of Akron University, and the draft, in recent years.

Mattocks is a very interesting pick. Simply put, he’s a young, fast and he has scored goals at every level that he has competed in. Obviously, this raw, limitless potential is why the Whitecaps selected him second overall. However, the question has to be asked if choosing an offensive dynamo was the right choice, considering the problems the Whitecaps had on the back end last season.

The Whitecaps brass must feel that if key defensive players like Jay Demerit and Alain Rochat can stay healthy this season, then they are plenty deep enough. I’m not sure if I’m one hundred percent comfortable with the defense right now, as there are a lot of new faces making their way to BC Place this season. It’s not unfair to speculate that it might take the new look back four a little while to truly gel with one another.

On the other hand, I transcribe to the theory that you pick the best player available, and early analysis suggests that Mattocks was the best available once Andrew Wenger was off the board. Really, how can you argue with 21 goals in 22 matches at Akon College in the NCAA? He has the pedigree, he has the talent, and now it’s just a matter of living up to the hype that will follow into training camp this spring. I think every Whitecap fan will be wary of any player that comes in with a lot of fanfare. After all, the memory of Mustapha Jarju is fresh in all of our minds.

Also, the question needs to be asked, could one Whitecaps attacker be on the outs with the addition of Mattocks? With Mattocks, the current mix up front could include Eric Hassli, Camilio, Abita Harris, Mustapha Jarju, Long Tan, and Omar Salgado. If I were a betting man, I’d say that Jarju won’t be seeing much playing time this season.

With Vancouver's second pick not until the second round, 21st overall, they tried to address some defensive issues through Indiana defender Chris Estridge.

According to all preliminary analysis, Estridge will probably not be a starter anytime soon. He does provide solid depth at fullback, as he goes into training camp quietly, and without much pressure from outside sources. Estridge’s knock has been that he’s a bit small and might have difficulties hanging with some of the bigger midfielders in the MLS, so a move up to midfielder may be in the cards for him. Really, and this isn’t taking anything away from Estridge, but if we see a lot of him this season, it means that theres been an injury on the roster.

Last season bore little fruit for Whitecap supporters as Omar Salgado spent the season being nurtured slowly, Michael Nanchoff's appearances few and Michael Boxall less than convincing. There have not been many reasons to get excited at the prospects of finding an impact player through these means - yet. Darren Mattocks will be charged with changing that perception and if all lines up and his ascent from the NCAA continues, Vancouver will have their first real talent via the SuperDraft.