That's interesting, but I think this is the more interesting list. Top 3 picks in each of the last 10 drafts. How many do you rate? And this is only the top 3 choices? (FWIW, arranged in this strange way on purpose to help focus on what each pick is worth on average.)
#1 picks
- 2015 - Cyle Larin
- 2014 - Andre Blake
- 2013 - Andrew Farrell
- 2012 - Andrew Wenger
- 2011 - Omar Salgado
- 2010 - Danny Mwanga
- 2009 - Steve Zakuani
- 2008 - Chance Myers
- 2007 - Maurice Edu
- 2006 - Marvell Wynne
#2 picks
- 2015 - Khiry Shelton
- 2014 - Steve Birnbaum
- 2013 - Carlos Alvarez
- 2012 - Darren Mattocks
- 2011 - Darlington Nagbe
- 2010 - Tony Tchani
- 2009 - Sam Cronin
- 2008 - Brek Shea
- 2007 - Bakary Soumare
- 2006 - Mehdi Ballouchy
#3 picks
- 2015 - Romario Williams
- 2014 - Christian Dean
- 2013 - Kyle Bekker
- 2012 - Kelyn Rowe
- 2011 - Perry Kitchen
- 2010 - Ike Opara
- 2009 - Omar Gonzalez
- 2008 - Tony Beltran
- 2007 - Michael Harrington
- 2006 - Jason Garey
I actually recognize and rate a lot more players on these lists than I expected. Far from a sure bet. But there is still a lot of value. Also, here is a list of other players who were picked in the first round over the last 10 years.
- Sacha Kljestan
- Dax McCarty
- Kei Kamara
- Chris Pontius
- Matt Besler
- George John
- Teal Bunbury
- Jack McInerney
- Dilly Duka
- CJ Sapong
- Will Bruin
- Nick DeLeon
- Dom Dwyer
- Patrick Mullins
Probably lots of other players worth noting who I am too unknowledgeable about to know they should be listed. Bottom line, I actually conclude that there is more value than we give credit for. The draft doesn't automatically deliver a game changing player like the NBA draft does. But it's not as worthless as some make it out to be.