Five Atlas draft picks who were immediate difference makers
The Atlas Bulls weren’t built in a day. They were built through the draft.
Atlas put up an even 5-5 record in its inaugural Premier Lacrosse League season in 2019. The Bulls won only one game the next season — in the COVID-19 Championship Series — before improving to six-win seasons in both 2021 and 2022.
This year, the Bulls are primed to charge out of the gate and make a deep playoff run. Coach Mike Pressler plans to round out the midfield lines through the 2023 College Draft for more consistency and chemistry. There’s also a ton of opportunity to build depth on defense as Atlas holds formidable draft capital, totaling five picks.
Atlas has done notoriously well in the draft, which is how the club turned the corner following the 2020 season. Here are Atlas’ five biggest additions from past College Drafts:
1. Jeff Teat
Former Atlas coach Ben Rubeor selected Jeff Teat out of Cornell with the first-overall pick in 2021. Teat has undoubtedly been the biggest offensive acquisition for Atlas, and arguably the league as a whole.
Teat ranked fourth in the PLL’s Players Top 50 after last season after finishing with 38 points. His 22 goals ranked third and 16 assists ranked seventh. Teat’s stats correlate to his craftiness and unselfishness. With eyes in the back of his head, Teat is no stranger to the no-look pass or behind-the-back rip. The 26-year-old’s accuracy and arm strength allow him to shoot around defenders and fool goalies with ease.
