Denis Hamlett says New York Red Bulls will pursue best player available over need in SuperDraft

One of the most common debates in drafts of any kind is selecting a player based on "need" or selecting a player because he's the "Best Player Available" (BPA).

As Jesse Marsch continues enjoying bratwurst & lager luncheons with Red Bull execs in Europe, the task has fallen to Assistant Head Coach Denis Hamlett to serve as Marsch's eyes and ears at the college combine prior to the upcoming MLS SuperDraft. Hamlett is assisted in this task by Sporting Director Ali Curtis, NYRBII head coach John Wolyneic, and assistant coach Chris Armas. With the draft just several days away, Hamlett has given a hint to the Red Bulls draft strategy.

In a Facebook Live video posted to the New York Red Bulls website, Hamlett revealed that the team will be looking for the BPA over plugging holes on the team.

The assistant coach said that teams have checked in with the Red Bulls about the availability of some of the players and the team is doing "what we think is best for us."

The New York Red Bulls hold three picks in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, which they can conceivably fill holes on the roster that they couldn't otherwise fill in free agency - particularly at center back, where the depth is noticeably lacking at the moment.

Last year the Red Bulls selected left back Justin Bilyeu in the first round (18th overall) and center defender Zach Carroll in the second round (38th overall).

Bilyeu made 8 appearances for the Red Bulls across all competitions in his rookie season while Carroll made one appearance on the Red Bulls bench and spent most of his rookie year with NYRB II, earning USL All-League Second Team honors and helping the team claim the USL title.

While Bilyeu remains on the team, Carroll was released after the season and signed by Orlando City B.