MLS Mock Draft: FC Dallas take Cal's Christian Dean with No. 5 pick

With the fifth pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, FC Dallas selects a member of the Generation adidas class, defender from the University of California, Christian Dean.

Dean is an up and coming prospect from Cal. At 6-foot-3, Dean is a player that has the physical tools to compete in Major League Soccer. He adds another dimension on set pieces and has the quality in him to continue to improve over time.

The junior started every match in three seasons with California. In 2013, he started all 21 matches, scored one goal and added in four assists.

After a stellar season in 2013, Dean quickly climbed many scouts radars and has been a player that MLS coaches and technical directors have been drooling over. He helped guide Cal to six shutouts this season before crashing out in the third round of the NCAA tournament to eventual runner-up Maryland.

What FC Dallas will be looking for in the SuperDraft: Both Dan Hunt and Fernando Clavijo have been vocal about what they have been searching for this winter. Both stated in media conference calls that they want to continue to build out of the defense through the draft like they have the last few years.

Who the experts say FC Dallas will draft: Most experts believe Dallas will go offensive in this draft, for good reason too. Some have projected Patrick Mullins (Maryland), Schillo Tshuma (Maryland) or Marlin Hairston (Louisville).

Why I'm totally wrong with this selection: Having FCD pick another defender for the sixth straight season seems a bit far fetched, even if it has worked for FCD. Should someone like Mullins fall to number five, it will be very hard for Clavijo and company to pass on him.

Why I'm smarter than the pundits: Defense still wins in this league. Even though FCD has a slew of young defenders already on the roster, adding one with the potential that Dean has is just smart business. The GA tag will mean he will not count against the salary cap and it could actually open some doors to move other defenders like Kellyn Acosta or Walker Zimmerman into a defensive midfield role. Or you know, its good trade bait.

Full Mock Draft results (click on player names to see the profiles)

First Round

Second Round