ESSENDON was "pleasantly surprised" to snare highly rated midfielder Jayden Laverde with its second pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft after the versatile player slipped down the first-round pecking order.

 

The 18-year-old from the Western Jets had been touted as a potential top-10 pick with his height, versatility and speed attractive to recruiters.

 

But on Thursday night, Laverde slipped through to the Bombers at pick 20, while the club nabbed Northern Knights youngster Kyle Langford with their first pick, No.17.

 

Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro admitted the club took a gamble not selecting Laverde with its first selection, but was thrilled to snap him up three picks later.

 

"We were pleasantly surprised that Jayden was available," Dodoro told AFL.com.au.

 

"We took a little bit of a punt. We probably went into the draft wanting Kyle Langford. We wanted to bank him because we have a very high opinion of the young man.

"We knew there was one pick between our pick 17 and 20 because Isaac Heeney was already at the Swans. So we took a gamble and this time it paid off.

 

"We got two boys at about 190cm that can play in a variety of positions and are really exciting players."

 

Essendon used pick 62 to promote forward Patrick Ambrose, who kicked 13 goals in 16 appearances for the Bombers in 2014.

Adrian Dodoro says: "Kyle is one of the younger players in the draft. He reads the balls as well as any player, he has a big engine and can play in the midfield. We've got a player here that can play deep inside 50 then go on-ball. He's a guy that the modern game is suited to because he can get up and down the ground quite easily."

Adrian Dodoro says: "Jayden was an All Australian this year. He's exciting and we rated him a top-10 draft pick. To get him was a bonus and a real surprise. He is quietly determined and can take the game on. Speed and height made his really tangible for us."