By Sean Duncan and Nathan Rode

The 2016 Major League Draft takes place June 9-11. In advance of the draft, Prep Baseball Report is posting a summary of each state in the coverage area with scouting reports on the top high school draft prospects.

From a draft perspective, Illinois’ 2016 class isn’t the strongest it has been in recent years, but will likely look a lot more attractive after three years in college. That has been the common sentiment—and even a source of frustration—for area scouts when dealing with Illinois prospects, especially those in the greater Chicagoland area. The 2016 college class has two Chicago natives expected to go in the first round in Louisville’s Corey Ray (Simeon HS, IL) and Zack Burdi (Downers Grove South HS, IL). The 2015 draft had four former Illinois high school prospects go in the top 50 picks. With six players in the PBR Draft 100 and depth beyond that, there is talent to be had in the 2016 prep class—whether it’s now or in three years.

PBR Draft 100 Prospects

19. Cooper Johnson, C, Carmel Catholic HS, IL
The opinions on the 6-foot, 200-pound Mississippi recruit vacillate significantly. Johnson has proven, without question, that he is the top defensive catcher in the country.