2012 SB Nation MLS Mock SuperDraft: RSL Selects Calum Mallace, Jason Banton, Arthur Ivo

17. Real Salt Lake: Calum Mallace, M, Marquette

Real Salt Lake has been negotiating with MLS and Orlando City FC for months to finalize a move for Yordany Alvarez, but still a gap remains so with their first round pick they select Calum Mallace a 6-foot-2 defensive midfielder. Should they get the deal done for Alvarez, I think Mallace still brings value as a guy who looks like he could play on the backline as well as in the midfield. He was the 2011 Big East midfield player of the year, oh and an interesting thing is that he played in the Chicago Fire Youth system with several other players at the MLS Combine and who are expected to be taken in the 2012 MLS Draft.

Perhaps the biggest stretch I could make, but there is something about Banton that has caught the eyes of folks at Arsenal, Liverpool and Blackburn. A hit on him is that he has the tools to play the game, including speed to spare, but that he lacks decision making and focus. He spent time last winter with Chivas USA, but the story is that Robin Fraser was looking for more experienced players and unwilling to take the risk. I think for a RSL team that clearly needs speed that Banton might be worth the risk of a draft pick and some time training with the team. I do think he would be someone who might be able to provide a spark off the bench either in the midfield or up top if needed.