Third round pick: Dri Archer

Hate isn't the right word, but I don't like the pick because we don't seem to have the type of offence that will utilize his skills. If we're going to use him like NO uses Sproles, then fine, but I'm not convinced we're going to effectively do that. Besides, we have Bell who is very good out of the backfield, but defences also have to be honest when he's in the game because he can pound it up the middle.

I just don't like this pick. I'd prefer a guy who might actually start for us at some point, not a gimmick player

 

I read in one scouting report that he goes down easy on contact, but in watching his highlights (and I realize that doesn't equate to hours of game film) he seems to do pretty well disengaging from initial contact. This guy could be very special and seems to me to be a poor man's Tavon Austin. Averaged over 10 ypc in college. WOW!

 

At least we didn't draft a quarterback in the second like the Pats!

 

Pats backup QB Mallet is going to be a Texan in a trade very soon, so getting another QB makes sense.......

 

I think the Tavon Austin comparison is pretty well on. I think his success or failure comes down to the coaches ability to find ways to use him. You must get him the ball in space. We never did that with Rainey, instead giving him the ball behind the LOS. Get him moving, use him on screens, line him up all over the place, use him for the bubble screen. He is quick and fast and elusive, but you will get him killed in the middle of the line. Plays must be picked for HIM, not for the offense.

 

Fair enough.

I'm just hoping that he can bring the "wildcard" to the stacked back field. I see what they're doing I'm just not sure this little guy can withstand the punishment?

We shall see

 

he actually runs inside better than you think. one little hole and he's through it. we have our feature backs, but archer against a tired defense, behind a zone blocking line can take big time advantage. he's so quick through a hole. no we are not going to line him up and pound the ball with him but he did do a lot of that at kent. he's one muscle, it's a small one but a tougher than you think one. he's hard to get a square hit on.

 

naw we will jsut keep what we got a 33 and 34 year old guy ... and a bunch of short WRs.. terrible

 

I don't want us taking Bell off the field so this guy can be our Sproles.

 

You kidding? These types in limited situations can be the popcorn/nacho spillovers. Meaning, before you land your a$$ back in the seat from your 3rd concession stand visit they've changed the game.

Don't discount players such as this, they'll wake you up real fast and that goes for the opposing D too. I think it's a good idea to constantly be on the lookout for one.

 

that's if we actually use them properly........... I keep getting chris rainey flashbacks here.. I remember screaming at my tv screen to get rainey out in space where he could use his speed and athleticism only to see hailey constantly run him up the middle as if he were jerome bettis.........

I can only hope that our oc has learned his lesson.

 

HA HA! So a little hardcore and metal then?


I don't like this pick unless he becomes a A-class returner. Offenses are all about rhythm and being in sync. I don't want him taking plays from Lev Bell or Tonio.

All the small speed guys that succeed are also strong. Look at the thick legs on a guy like Sproles or Pocket Hercules. This guy is light as a feather. One hit and it's lights out. He is going to need to block too, is he tough enough?

 

Very true . Punt returns are not as prevalent . That being said though because this is a game of inches every yard returned is important. So if he averages 20 yard kick/punt returns I'll take it .

Bman

 

At his size he needs to be careful with ball security.

[video=youtube;J0HyAQUXoTY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0HyAQUXoTY[/video]

 

I think the Tavon Austin comparison only goes as far as his height/weight. I don't think he is as good of a receiver and he obviously didn't play at an elite program. That does not mean he can't contribute serious splash plays or make an impact on a NFL roster though. I think the Austin point for most is about saying...yep here is a kid small in stature, but that didn't seem to impact his draft position greatly or his ability to play in the NFL.

 

It's not a fair comparison because both are very different players, but at the same time, it's not as if Austin has proved anything yet. Sure, he had a couple good games, but for the most part he underwhelmed

 

not in the second

 

Austin isn't dealing with the big boys at the line of scrimmage nearly as much as Archer is going to. Not that I'm saying Archer is likely going to get hurt, I just don't see the comparison between him and Austin other than the size, which is no different than comparing Martavis Bryant to Calvin Johnson. Actually it's even worse because Archer and Tavon don't even play the same position

 

Archer can be very valuable in the return game, he can get 10 yards before defenders can get down the field, and is a threat to go the distance every time he catches a punt, on offense if Haley can get him in space he will be a huge threat, there is a lot of things they can do with him to use that speed, but if nothing else his value as a kick returner is worth this pick...

 

He hasn't done much in the way of punt returns before. Not saying he can't or wont' be good at it, but it's not something he has done a lot of.

 

The steelers are hoping to get Archer to play like he did in 2012 when he had an amazing year:

In 2012, Archer had 1,429 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 561 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns. His 23 total touchdowns led the MAC and set a single-season school record. Against Ball State, Archer had a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown and set a career-high with 350 all-purpose yards. Against Eastern Michigan, he had a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a kick return touchdown. Against Army, he had 222 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and a passing touchdown. Archer was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year. He made the All-MAC first team as a running back and kick returner. He was also a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award. Archer was a consensus All-American.