The NLL Draft is less than a week away.
And the Roughnecks hold the third overall selection.
Let’s take a look at some of the big names who have been selected in the same spot:
2002, Billy Dee Smith, Buffalo Bandits
A guy who has seemingly been around forever, Smith spent the majority of his 13-year career with the Bandits. Smith is known around the league as one of the strongest, toughest defenders to go up against. In 170 career games, the bruising big man has racked up 532 penalty minutes.
2006, Brett Bucktooth, Buffalo Bandits
When looking at the success of a draft pick, one of the biggest indicators is the number of games played. A good player will last a lot longer in the league than the average Joe. With 135 games under his belt, it’s easy to see where Bucktooth fits. A talented, righty forward, the 34-year old has 120 goals and 289 points in his 11 seasons.
2008, Rhys Duch, San Jose Stealth
The Stealth all-time leader in goals (351), assists (477), and points (828), Duch has been a dominant force on the right side since making his debut in 2009. The 31-year old has only recorded less than 80 points in a season once during his nine-year career and in that season, he put up a solid 79 points.
2009, Zack Greer, Minnesota Swarm
A guy who has frustrated the Roughnecks over the years, Greer is one of the most talented lefty forwards in the NLL. In 118 career games, he has recorded just under 400 points (399). Having spent eight seasons with the Edmonton Rush, the Saskatchewan Rush, and the Colorado Mammoth, he’s made a living off of scoring big goals against the Riggers.
2010, Curtis Dickson, Calgary Roughnecks
This is a man that needs no introduction to Roughnecks fans. Calgary has only had the No. 3 overall selection once in team history and they used that selection to grab a game-changing, high-flying, superstar who has earned the moniker ‘Superman’. With 313 goals and 549 points in 120 games over seven seasons, Dickson is already among the best ever to wear the red and black.
2011, Adam Jones, Colorado Mammoth
Another Roughneck killer, Jones is a big-time scorer from the left side. In six seasons split between the Mammoth and the Rush, the 28-year old has tallied 220 goals and 431 points in 91 games.
2013, Dillon Ward, Colorado Mammoth
The 2017 Goaltender of the Year, Ward has been one of the league’s top net minders since earning a starting job for the Mammoth in 2014. The 26-year old has helped his squad earn a spot in the playoffs during each year of his career.
