Yahenni’s Expertise.

Yahenni’s Expertise is pretty close in power level to Vengeful Rebel. Both are great black cards, but Yahenni’s Expertise has higher upside. It’s also a great card to start a Draft with, since you’re can draft a more controlling deck and make sure that you get a few 4-toughness creatures. At least some percentage of games when you have Yahenni’s Expertise in your opening hand, it will get you a 3-for-1, and practically win the game on its own.

Honorable Mention: Vengeful Rebel.

Vengeful Rebel is one of the premium uncommons in the set. The biggest drawback to the card is that it isn’t an “unconditional” removal spell. Triggering revolt can sometimes be a real problem, and losing to a creature because of your inability to trigger revolt is frustrating. That being said, the upside of this card is insanely high, and I’d expect to first pick it out of a ton of packs, and be happy about it.

Daring Demolition.

Daring Demolition is the best common removal spell in the set. I’ve actually been surprised how relevant the ability of destroying a Vehicle is. A big Vehicle can pose a problem for a deck with a lot of removal spells, and Daring Demolition alleviates that problem.

Honorable Mention: Reckless Racer.

Reckless Racer has over-performed for me. Looting is a powerful ability in this format, as there aren’t a ton of mana sinks. Being able to discard those excess lands to draw a card is effectively as good as drawing a card.

Pacification Array.

I’m higher on this card than some of my teammates. The Icy Manipulator effect alone is extremely powerful. It gives you a mana sink in a format without very many at all. Also, in a format with the improvise mechanic, there is an even greater upside for a cheap artifact.

Honorable Mention: Shock.

Cheap, efficient removal spell. I’d say Shock is about an average power level first pick.

Aethersphere Harvester.

Aethersphere Harvester is a bomb rare. 3/5 flying, lifelink (if you can spare some energy), and crew for only 1 mana. I’d expect to first pick this out of basically any pack. In addition, Aethersphere Harvester is an artifact, so no matter what happens, you definitely get to play it in your deck, and it leaves you open to drafting any colors that happen to be open. You really can’t ask for much better.

Honorable Mention: Aether Chaser.

2-drops are strong in this format, and Aether Chaser is one of the strongest. It’s rare that Aether Chaser will be unable to attack on the third turn and create a Servo in addition to doing 2 points of damage.

Hungry Flames.

Hungry Flames is one of the best removal spells in the set, better than all the commons. Other than the best 2 or 3 uncommons, or great rares, you’ll be taking it out of almost every pack. 3 damage for 3 mana is great, and the added 2 damage to your opponent is anything but trivial.

Honorable Mention: Scrounging Bandar.

Not a strong first pick, but a great 2-drop in a format where 2-drops are at a premium. Scrounging Bandar will make all of your green decks in virtually any number, and will really shine if you’re able to pick up a bomb uncommon like Winding Constrictor.