MLS Draft Preview: Joshua Yaro, Brandon Vincent lead defensive group

Odds are another Andrew Farrell isn't walking through the door at Gillette Stadium, but this year's defensive corps is incredibly top heavy nonetheless. There are options galore at outside and center back, with several ready to immediately step in and start on day one.

The New England Revolution need depth along the backline, so pay particular attention to where these five players fall come Thursday's SuperDraft in Baltimore, Maryland.

1.) Joshua Yaro

It's highly likely that the Generation Adidas signing will be the first name called by Commissioner Don Garber, and he has entirely justified that honor. Projected to play on the right or middle as a professional, the Georgetown University product is freakishly athletic and reads the game beautifully.

An All-American during his sophomore and junior seasons, Yaro was indispensable for the Hoyas and will slot right into his MLS team's lineup.

MLSsoccer.com spoke to a slew of head coaches and general managers about the draft's top prospects, and a sampling of their thoughts on Yaro are below.

"Just a specimen of a human being and athlete. I think his transition might be a little longer than others do, but he certainly has all the potential."

"Not big enough to be a center back, but he’s an interesting athlete. Ceiling is Ike Opara, floor is Jalil Anibaba."

2.) Brandon Vincent

The Stanford University left back's stock was already high before this week's MLS Combine, and it rose even further when Jurgen Klinsmann called him into this month's U.S. National Team camp. As Taylor Twellman and Matthew Doyle break down below, there's a ton to love about the senior.

Vincent has leadership qualities, is committed to firing up the flank, picks out runners in the box and has the lesser-know qualities that translate well to MLS. He won't ever be the flashiest of players, but that shouldn't be a problem whatsoever.

3.) Jordan McCrary

The redshirt senior out of the University of North Carolina fell off the map a bit after suffering a torn ACL in 2014. However, the fact McCrary can play left and right back bodes well for his professional future.

He's a little on the smaller side at 5-foot-9, but still reminds me of Chris Duvall of the New York Red Bulls. As modern day fullbacks must do, he supports the attack through width, maintains good defensive shape and remains in sync with his fellow defenders.

4.) Keegan Rosenberry

The right back also hails from Georgetown and has all the traits one desires in a modern day fullback. He's brilliant getting forward in support of the attack, can whip in a delectable cross and is solid in one-on-one defending scenarios.

There was some worry that the Philadelphia Union had him as a Homegrown Player, but that claim quickly dissipated. Therefore, he's anyone's for the taking and would certainly fill New England's need at right back.

5.) Kyle Fisher

A senior from Clemson University, Fisher is a traditional center back who takes care of business first and foremost. He's positionally sound, a great tackler and is a solid target on attacking set pieces, too.

He boasts qualities similar to Bobby Boswell of D.C. United or Nat Borchers of the Portland Timbers. Given their lengthy and consistent careers, Fisher should rest easy knowing that's his ceiling.