The 2025 PLL draft electrified lacrosse fans on May 6, 2025, as the Philadelphia Waterdogs made a bold statement by selecting Cornell’s CJ Kirst with the first overall pick. This pivotal moment in the Premier Lacrosse League’s annual college draft, held at 7 p.m. ET and streamed on ESPN+, set the tone for a night of surprises and strategic moves. With 32 players chosen across four rounds, the draft reshaped team rosters for the upcoming season, which kicks off May 30. Let’s dive into the highlights, from Kirst’s crowning to Chris Kavanagh’s unexpected slide to No. 10, and what it means for the league.
PLL Draft Top Pick: CJ Kirst Shines
The Waterdogs, coming off a tough season with only one win, didn’t hesitate to grab CJ Kirst, a dynamic attacker from Cornell. Kirst, ranked No. 1 on ESPN analyst Paul Carcaterra’s big board, brings elite scoring and playmaking to a team desperate for offensive firepower. His NCAA record-setting performance this season made him a no-brainer for head coach Bill Tierney. Posts on X buzzed with excitement, with @Inside_Lacrosse tweeting, “CJ KIRST GOES NO. 1 OVERALL TO THE WATERDOGS!” Fans see Kirst as the spark to ignite a Waterdogs turnaround, especially after their league-worst 37% faceoff win rate last year. His addition could transform close losses into victories.
PLL Draft Shock: Chris Kavanagh’s Slide
While Kirst’s selection was expected, Chris Kavanagh’s drop to No. 10 stunned the lacrosse world. The Notre Dame star, praised for his versatility and clutch performances, was projected as a top-five pick. Inside Lacrosse noted his 2 goals and 3 assists in a recent game, showcasing his playmaking prowess. Yet, teams like the Chaos and Archers passed on him, leaving the Maryland Whipsnakes to snap him up. Why the slide? Some speculate teams prioritized defensive needs or other prospects like Duke’s Andrew McAdorey. Kavanagh’s new home with the Whipsnakes, a perennial contender, sets him up for immediate impact.
Read Also-United Airlines Planes Clip Wings at SFO: A Grounded Tale of Error and Recovery
Draft Trends and Team Strategies
The 2025 PLL draft leaned heavily on defense in later rounds, as noted by @USALacrosseMag, with teams bolstering backlines to counter the league’s high-octane offenses. Here’s a quick look at key first-round picks:
- No. 1: CJ Kirst (Waterdogs) – Cornell attacker to boost scoring.
- No. 2: Jake Taylor (Chaos) – Inside scorer, ranked No. 6 by PLL’s Adam Lamberti.
- No. 10: Chris Kavanagh (Whipsnakes) – Versatile midfielder ready to shine.
The Waterdogs’ focus on offense with Kirst aligns with their need to climb from last place. Meanwhile, teams like the Chaos, who struggled to possess the ball last season, targeted players to improve faceoff and transition play. The draft’s depth, with late-round gems like Michael Boehm, promises fresh talent across the board.
As the PLL draft dust settles, anticipation builds for the season opener. The Waterdogs face a tough test, integrating Kirst into a squad hungry for redemption. Kavanagh’s chip-on-the-shoulder mentality could make the Whipsnakes even more dangerous. Fans are already marking their calendars for the Stars & Stripes Classic on September 1, 2025, at Subaru Park, where draft picks might get an early showcase. With tickets on sale at premierlacrosseleague.com, the stage is set for a thrilling summer. Will Kirst lead the Waterdogs to glory? Can Kavanagh prove his doubters wrong? Lacrosse lovers, stay tuned—this season’s storylines are just beginning.