The first two picks of the 2025 College Draft presented by Q-Collar seem to be formalities at this point, with the Philadelphia Waterdogs believed to be taking CJ Kirst and the California Redwoods widely expected to take Andrew McAdorey.

California also owns the third pick, and it’s here that seems to be the inflection point of the draft. The Redwoods have a number of tantalizing options in front of them that could improve the team in 2025 and beyond. 

What could we see them do with that third pick come draft night?

Draft Chris Kavanagh

The fit and connections are there. Kavanagh could potentially be used as the righty attackman, X attackman or a midfielder. Adding toughness has been a point of emphasis this offseason, and Kavanagh has proven how tough he is. He also has a lot of connections to players he would be teammates with thanks to California’s deep ties to Notre Dame. General manager Joe Spallina is a fan of him as a player and person, and Paul Carcaterra said he “defines what a winner looks like in the sport of lacrosse.”

Draft Sam English

The Redwoods did not get much production out of their midfielders in 2024. Only one player (Charlie Bertrand) hit double digits in total goals. Drafting McAdorey will help give the unit a new look, but California could double down on first-round midfielders and select English to really remake the unit. 

English would add some speed to an offense that has a lot of big midfielders who like to take long step-down shots or make big, sweeping dodges. He also brings a two-man game element that might be appealing to new head coach Anthony Kelly. He and Wes Berg could play well off one another.

He is also a capable defender, and because of his ability on both sides of the ball, he would be useful on the faceoff wing. The Redwoods were last in the league in 32-second offensive efficiency, scoring on only 16.1% of possessions. It is important to turn TD Ierlan’s victories (he was fourth in the league in faceoff wins and third in winning percentage) into quality possessions. Having a player as versatile as English is extremely valuable in a league where you can only dress 19 players on gameday.

English is teammates with Spallina’s two sons, so you know California’s GM has seen an extensive amount of English’s lacrosse career. Additionally, if you look at Spallina’s history as a general manager, he often drafts players from Syracuse (Tommy Palasek, JoJo Marasco, Hakeem Lecky and Scott Firman), showing a respect for players from the program.

Adam Lamberti has English ranked as his 10th-best prospect – right where the Redwoods pick in the second round – but it’s possible they like him enough to not wait and see if they’ll get lucky.

Draft Sam King

California added three players this offseason – Dylan Molloy, Brendan Nichtern and Jackson Morrill – who could compete for playing time at the X attack position. Drafting King, however, could solidify that spot for several years into the future.

He leads Harvard in assists, and his dodging ability from behind the cage would open up lots of lanes for California’s shooters, Romar Dennis and Ryan Aughavin. 

King can also call his own number, and he has a question mark dodge that might remind Redwoods fans of a very successful former X attackman.

Draft Ben Ramsey

While there will be a number of talented offensive players available, the Redwoods have already added seven different attackmen and midfielders while only losing two regular contributors. Some players are going to be victims of the numbers game. Instead of adding another player to a crowded room, the Redwoods could add elite depth to the defensive midfield position.

While Brian Tevlin solidified himself as a top defensive midfielder in the league, and Chris Merle made promising improvements, Isaiah Davis-Allen retired and Marquez White will start the season on the physically unable to perform list. Adding the best player at the position in this draft class would make for a devastating combination.

Western Conference rivals Utah Archers and Denver Outlaws have talented and deep offenses where any number of players can beat you, so drafting Ramsey would be a way to not only address a need, but also keep pace with teams the Redwoods will have to battle for playoff positioning.

Trade the pick for additional 2026 selections

While the team has needs to address, it has been very active in the offseason. With two first-round picks, they can fill a need with a player they like this year while dealing the other for a hefty price next year, especially for some attack-needy teams that will want to get their choice of player. 

One of the top prospects expected to be available in next year’s draft is Syracuse attackman Joey Spallina, Spallina’s son. Joe Spallina has said the goal for this year is to win a championship, and he won’t be tanking in order to have a draft pick high enough to bring the two together at the professional level. 

This year, Philadelphia head coach Bill Tierney said he had no desire to trade the top pick and chance to draft Kirst. ”[They’ll] have to attend my funeral to get that deal done,” he said. It’s not inconceivable the price next year would be just as high.

Having extra picks would allow the Redwoods to offer a much more attractive package to trade up in 2026 while not having to give up their entire draft for one player.