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MLS Draft 2012: Sides in Biggest Need of a Drastic Makeover

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJanuary 11, 2012

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 22: Ashtone Morgan #5 of Toronto FC waves to the fans after MLS action against New England Revolution at BMO Field October 22, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The game was tied 2-2. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)
Abelimages/Getty Images

Sure, the MLS SuperDraft loses some of its luster given teams turning to young foreign talent or filling out their roster by bringing up players from their own academies.

That doesn't mean there aren't good, young players to be had through the draft, or teams that could use the help.

So let's take a look at a few teams who are in serious need of a team makeover, and the young blood that might help them achieve greater success in 2012.

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 22: Darrius Barnes #25 of New England Revolution carries the ball during MLS action against Toronto FC at BMO Field October 22, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The game was tied 2-2. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)
Abelimages/Getty Images

New England Revolution

After finishing last in the Eastern Conference last season—and with a multitude of team needs—the team should be focused on selecting the best player left on the board.

My guess is they'll add whichever of the two stud forwards that fall to them, UCLA's Chandler Hoffman or Akron's Darren Mattocks, and be quite happy with the selection.

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 22: Ashtone Morgan #5 of Toronto FC heads the ball during MLS action against New England Revolution at BMO Field October 22, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The game was tied 2-2. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)
Abelimages/Getty Images

Toronto FC

With two picks in the top 12 selections of the first round, Toronto has the opportunity to add some much-needed depth to their squad heading into 2012.

UConn center back Andrew Jean-Baptiste will fill a glaring need for the squad with the fourth pick, and with pick No. 12 the team will look to pick the top midfielder on the board, such as Greg Jordan, Nick DeLeon or even Kelyn Rowe if he drops that far.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 22:  Perry Kitchen #23 of D.C. United dribbles the ball during the game against Sporting Kansas City at RFK Stadium on October 22, 2011 in Washington, DC. Sporting Kansas City defeated D.C United 1-0. (Photo by Larry French/Getty
Larry French/Getty Images

D.C. United

After a disappointing finish to the season that saw the team miss the playoffs, the squad will look to address its need for a goal-scoring forward in the draft.

With the seventh pick, Maryland forward Casey Townsend fits the bill and would serve as the perfect complement to Chris Pontius, Dwayne De Rosario and Andy Najar.