MLS Mock Draft: San Jose Earthquakes Select Justin Meram With 15th Pick

15. Justin Meram (San Jose Earthquakes)

Robert Jonas (Center Line Soccer): The San Jose Earthquakes will be looking for depth at all postions in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, perhaps with the exception of the defensive back four. A proven goal-scoring forward tops the list, as the Quakes look at Justin Meram of the University of Michigan to help an offense that was very top heavy with Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski netting more than half the team’s goals in 2010. While current forwards Ryan Johnson and Scott Sealy will have the inside track on the #2 forward position in 2011, Meram can make an immediate impact with San Jose using the strength and instincts he so finely displayed in the recent NCAA tournament. With Meram’s dangerous runs at defenders, the rest of the Quakes counterattack-minded offensive will be ready to press opposing defenses in ways that are not often seen by the home side at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Drew Epperley (WV Hooligan): Meram is a guy who's risen higher on folks draft board than anyone else over the last month. San Jose needs more goal scorers to go with Chris Wondolowski and Meram is a quality attacker that should fit Frank Yallop's system nicely.