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View Full Version : Steelers Select RB/WR Dri Archer WIth Third-Round Pick



86WARD
05-09-2014, 10:16 PM
Overview
First name is pronounced "DREE". The Florida prep averaged 10.2 yards per carry as a senior, finished second in the 100-meter final of the state high school track meet (ahead of third-place finisher Denard Robinson) and also lettered in baseball. Played in 11 games as a true freshman in 2009, rushing 58 times for 246 yards (4.2-yard average) and one touchdown with 19 receptions for 231 yards (12.2) and three touchdowns. Missed one game due to coach's choice. Appeared in all 12 games (one start at RB) in '10 and carried 40-140-1 (3.5) and caught 16-75-1 (4.7). Was academically ineligible in '11, missing the entire season. Returned to the field in '12 and had a breakout year, setting a Kent State single-season record with 23 touchdowns. Ran for 159-1,429-16 (9.0) and caught 39-561-4 (15.6) in 14 games (11 starts at slot receiver). Returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 36.9 yards on 16 kickoff returns. Was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, honoring the nation's most versatile player. Was the MAC's Special Teams Player of the Year and first-team all-MAC at both running back and kick returner. Injured his left ankle during the first series of the '13 season and was hampered for much of September, missing early season games against Bowling Green and Penn State and seeing limited action against LSU. Played in 10 games (nine starts at slot receiver) and carried 68-527-6 (7.8) and caught 25-327-4 (13.1). Had a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown against Northern Illinois. Despite making just 21 collegiate starts, he finished his Kent State career ranked among the school's all-time leaders with 4,980 all-purpose yards and 40 touchdowns (24 rushing, 12 receiving, four kickoff returns).

Strengths

Rare burst, acceleration and top-end speed to take the corner and create big plays. Can fly by MAC competition with top gear. Very good agility, balance, vision and creativity. Weaves through a crowd and can find daylight. Soft-handed and plucks the ball with ease. Extremely strong pound-for-pound. Very good career all-purpose yardage. Good versatility -- contributes as a runner, slot receiver and return man. Four career kickoff-return TDs (and was kicked away from). Clocked a 4.16-second 40-yard dash in 18 steps on one official handheld combine watch, tying Calvin Johnson’s NFL Scouting Combine record for fewest steps. Has a 38-inch vertical jump.
Weaknesses

Very short and rail thin with no strength or running power. Not a tackle-breaker and goes down easy on contact. Limited inside runner. Can be knocked off routes easily and struggles catching on contact. Not a nuanced route runner. Very marginal, underpowered blocker. Could stand to do a better job securing the ball in traffic. Is not ideally built to withstand a full NFL season.
Draft Projection

Rounds 3-4
Bottom Line

An injury-riddled senior season cannot eclipse what an explosive playmaker Archer demonstrated he can be when healthy. Was slowed by an ankle injury early and did not return to junior form until late in senior season. Can make an immediate impact in the return game and add value as a multipurpose threat. Long-term durability is greatest concern given tiny frame.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/dri-archer?id=2543596

Psycho Ward 86
05-09-2014, 10:18 PM
i cant believe this crap....this is such a buzzkill after getting an awesome pick in stephon tuitt. CB is now a must in round 4...

Steelerette
05-09-2014, 10:20 PM
Dexter McCluster, Darren Sproles, Dri Archer...

If he works out well he could be in good company. Not what I was expecting but I'm satisfied with the pick. Homerun threat on any given play. Probably this was a Haley pick.

MrPgh
05-09-2014, 10:21 PM
Think about this one for a minute. How many snaps do we really think Archer will see this season? Terrible pick. WR and CB were bigger needs.

stillers4me
05-09-2014, 10:24 PM
He takes a few home on kick returns and this will be considered pure genius.

JayC
05-09-2014, 10:24 PM
yeah let's just ignore CB until our last pick. what are they doing?? kick/punt return specialist > CB???

stillers4me
05-09-2014, 10:25 PM
Are there any cb's left that are actually an upgrade over what we already have? Because our FO are complete idiots.

NCSteeler
05-09-2014, 10:26 PM
Think about this one for a minute. How many snaps do we really think Archer will see this season? Terrible pick. WR and CB were bigger needs.


THIS^^&^ One of those picks where they out think them selves

MrPgh
05-09-2014, 10:26 PM
Are there any cb's left that are actually an upgrade over what we already have? Because our FO are complete idiots.

Go read Mark Kaboly's twitter. LeBeau doesn't think CB is a need.

Steelerette
05-09-2014, 10:28 PM
Think about this one for a minute. How many snaps do we really think Archer will see this season? Terrible pick. WR and CB were bigger needs.

Dri is, in fact, a WR.

For those of you with long enough memory, think of this as a, shorter version of Tamarick Vanover.

MrPgh
05-09-2014, 10:30 PM
Dri is, in fact, a WR.

For those of you with long enough memory, think of this as a, shorter version of Tamarick Vanover.

Even so, it's a bad pick. They have enough little guys. They needed a big target.

Steeltreal
05-09-2014, 10:31 PM
Really Love this pick for a comp, 'Archer, Archer' should become a staple Chant, hes going to be a scoring machine.

st33lersguy
05-09-2014, 10:32 PM
I don't understand the pick.

steelreserve
05-09-2014, 10:33 PM
[B]Weaknesses

Very short and rail thin with no strength or running power. Not a tackle-breaker and goes down easy on contact. Limited inside runner. Can be knocked off routes easily and struggles catching on contact. Not a nuanced route runner. Very marginal, underpowered blocker. Could stand to do a better job securing the ball in traffic. Is not ideally built to withstand a full NFL season.

Basically a RB who can't run and a WR who can't get open. Did we not learn our lesson with Rainey, Logan, Dunn, etc.? Usually we wait until later to get these kind of guys, or sign them off the street.

About 1 out of every 30 guys like this end up panning out, if that. Not the kind of odds you want on your third-round choice.

stillers4me
05-09-2014, 10:34 PM
Go read Mark Kaboly's twitter. LeBeau doesn't think CB is a need.

That's my point. They aren't idiots.....they obviously think this guy is more valuable than the CB's left on the board. They don't take just anybody simply because they play a certain position.

Steelerette
05-09-2014, 10:37 PM
For this type of player Archer was a better prospect than McKinnon, who got drafted before him.

stillers4me
05-09-2014, 10:38 PM
https://twitter.com/tribliveradio/status/464967023945330688

Steelerette
05-09-2014, 10:38 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-3JgIG9hhM

stillers4me
05-09-2014, 10:39 PM
https://twitter.com/arobinson_trib/status/464966756688478209

Steelerette
05-09-2014, 10:42 PM
The kid on runbacks is like a hot knife through butter. He'll get downfield before anyone has time to commit a holding penalty :lol:

stillers4me
05-09-2014, 10:43 PM
The kid on runbacks is like a hot knife through butter. He'll get downfield before anyone has time to commit a holding penalty :lol:

Good point. :lol:

MrPgh
05-09-2014, 10:47 PM
The kid on runbacks is like a hot knife through butter. He'll get downfield before anyone has time to commit a holding penalty :lol:

Unless he gets his ass knocked out first.

Steelerette
05-09-2014, 10:52 PM
My first thought when the pick came in was "PsychoWard is going to be pissed." I like it though. There were a lot of those next tier CBs still left, I'm sure we can get one at 4.18.

Shoes
05-09-2014, 10:52 PM
Dexter McCluster, Darren Sproles, Dri Archer...

If he works out well he could be in good company. Not what I was expecting but I'm satisfied with the pick. Homerun threat on any given play. Probably this was a Haley pick.

I agree and I'm sure going to give the guy the benefit of the doubt until he proves unworthy. I think he will be a nice addition.

stillers4me
05-09-2014, 10:53 PM
https://twitter.com/dlolleyor/status/464971398700486656

salamander
05-09-2014, 10:55 PM
Not happy with this pick at all. Not denying that he is explosive but we are once again ignoring glaring needs. We are screwed on the defensive backfield.

Psycho Ward 86
05-09-2014, 10:55 PM
Dri is, in fact, a WR.

For those of you with long enough memory, think of this as a, shorter version of Tamarick Vanover.

which is why this pick pisses me off even more because he isnt even considered a good route runner. Not only that, but at 5'8'', 175lb, he is yet another midget receiver in our collection of oompa-loompa corp. Antonio Brown 5'10'' 186lb, Lance Moore 5'9'' 190lb, Marcus Wheaton 5 '11'' 182lb, Dri Archer 5'8'' 175lb. Seriously guys, those are our top 4 receivers, plus Heath Miller.

And this isnt directed at you, but for those of you making Sproles comparison, please, everybody thinks they have the next darren sproles and nobody has gotten close. Keep in mind that Darren Sproles actually has 15lb on this kid (he's 190lb) and is actually capable of shedding tackles. This kid, not so much. Archer also cant even block.

Ultimately I will reserve judgement until he has been given a chance but this one just has me shaking my head. If we absolutely had to take an RB, i would have rather had someone like James White out of wisconsin who is very good at everything in a solid conference and could have been had in the 5th-6th round

MrPgh
05-09-2014, 10:56 PM
My first thought when the pick came in was "PsychoWard is going to be pissed." I like it though. There were a lot of those next tier CBs still left, I'm sure we can get one at 4.18.

Don't hold your breath for a CB. LeBeau has said he doesn't think it's a big need.

Steelerette
05-09-2014, 10:57 PM
For what it's worth some of you guys put a lot of stock in what Curt Popejoy says, and he loves this pick.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2049924-pittsburgh-steelers-draft-picks-results-analysis-and-grades/page/4

Psycho Ward 86
05-09-2014, 11:01 PM
That run on WR/TE in the 3rd round has left some more cornerbacks on the board though. Im surprised teams havent had a massive hard-on for big corners like Baptiste or McGill yet. I thought they would have been overdrafted a long time ago

Shoes
05-09-2014, 11:03 PM
For what it's worth some of you guys put a lot of stock in what Curt Popejoy says, and he loves this pick.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2049924-pittsburgh-steelers-draft-picks-results-analysis-and-grades/page/4

Thanks for the link.

- - - Updated - - -


That run on WR/TE in the 3rd round has left some more cornerbacks on the board though. Im surprised teams havent had a massive hard-on for big corners like Baptiste or McGill yet. I thought they would have been overdrafted a long time ago


I believe Baptiste is gone.

Steelerette
05-09-2014, 11:05 PM
Baptiste is gone but McGill would be REAL nice. Ike Taylor 2, but he needs a season to tune his game to NFL speed. And he'll get it here.

steel9guy
05-09-2014, 11:10 PM
It's cool to have this guy but I would like to see a corner in round 4. Hope this doesn't end like Rainey.

Psycho Ward 86
05-09-2014, 11:12 PM
Baptiste is gone but McGill would be REAL nice. Ike Taylor 2, but he needs a season to tune his game to NFL speed. And he'll get it here.

damnit didnt see that. well we need a future CB somewhere in this draft because its a sure thing at this point that whoever gets drafted is going to be a project CB

stillers4me
05-09-2014, 11:12 PM
It's cool to have this guy but I would like to see a corner in round 4. Hope this doesn't end like Rainey.

Rainey would probably still be here if it weren't for his own stupidity. Why don't we give this kid a chance to do something stupid before making those kind of comparisons.

X-Terminator
05-09-2014, 11:15 PM
You know, this is precisely the kind of pick they too often make that makes so many fans upset. Exactly what is the freaking point of taking this guy? If they're going to throw picks away, why not at least trade them? And contrary to what Dick LeBeau says, they DO need a corner, and they needed to pick one much sooner than they ultimately will - if they ever do.

Again, I hope the kid pans out, but Tomlin and Colbert really need to rethink their draft strategy. WAY too many head-scratchers and wasted picks during their combined tenure.

MrPgh
05-09-2014, 11:23 PM
You know, this is precisely the kind of pick they too often make that makes so many fans upset. Exactly what is the freaking point of taking this guy? If they're going to throw picks away, why not at least trade them? And contrary to what Dick LeBeau says, they DO need a corner, and they needed to pick one much sooner than they ultimately will - if they ever do.

Again, I hope the kid pans out, but Tomlin and Colbert really need to rethink their draft strategy. WAY too many head-scratchers and wasted picks during their combined tenure.

Agreed. If 2014 is another non-playoff season, heads need to roll. 2008 is in the past. Over the last two seasons this team's management and coaching have made some absolutely HORRIBLE decisions. It cannot continue if this season turns out to be another dud. No excuses.

SteelerFanInStl
05-09-2014, 11:25 PM
You know, this is precisely the kind of pick they too often make that makes so many fans upset. Exactly what is the freaking point of taking this guy? If they're going to throw picks away, why not at least trade them? And contrary to what Dick LeBeau says, they DO need a corner, and they needed to pick one much sooner than they ultimately will - if they ever do.

Again, I hope the kid pans out, but Tomlin and Colbert really need to rethink their draft strategy. WAY too many head-scratchers and wasted picks during their combined tenure.

Well said.

Psycho Ward 86
05-10-2014, 12:06 AM
for those of you who think this takes antonio brown off of punt return duty, think again. For whatever reason, dri regularly returned kicks and excelled at it for kent state, but he only has 6 career punt returns....for a 1.33 yard average. I wonder why that is (serious question, if anyone can answer that). He doesnt have any fumbles in college so it doesnt seem like irresponsible ball handling would be a reason

GBMelBlount
05-10-2014, 12:13 AM
he only has 6 career punt returns....for a 1.33 yard average. I wonder why that is (serious question, if anyone can answer that).

Sure.

8 divided by 6 = 1.33.

katmandu
05-10-2014, 01:28 AM
OH MY GOD IS THIS KID F****ING F-A-S-T !!!!!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-3JgIG9hhM

katmandu
05-10-2014, 01:45 AM
http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000222474/polls_roadrunner_4652_868419_answer_4_xlarge.gif

katmandu
05-10-2014, 02:02 AM
He takes a few home on kick returns and this will be considered pure genius.

05/08/2014 - 2014 DRAFT SCOUT FINAL TOP 100: 100/17. Dri Archer, WR, Kent State, 5-08, 173, 4.16, 3...Archer is instant danger who can get to the end zone as fast as anybody who has ever played the game. Anybody. Really. He has the fastest time ever clocked in 40 yards at an Indianapolis combine -- 4.16 seconds, although his announced time was 4.26 seconds. He was used in college as a running back, wide receiver and as a returner who scored four touchdowns on kickoffs and would have scored more but teams kicked away from him.4.16 ! 4 - 1 - 6 !

fansince'76
05-10-2014, 02:26 AM
Not happy with this pick at all.

Yeah, this one has me scratching my head.

86WARD
05-10-2014, 05:32 AM
Not a fan of this pick...has me scratching my head...

Aussie_steeler
05-10-2014, 05:49 AM
Mike Wallace could blow the top off a coverage with his speed.

3rd round comp pick courtesy of Mike Wallace leaving for Miami

3rd round comp pick used to pick player faster than Mike Wallace.

People complain about no backs having the legs to bust a run to the house .... ala Fast Willie Parker

Two Birds......One stone............might be their thinking

Iron Steeler
05-10-2014, 06:09 AM
Did we just draft Chris Rainey again ?

stillers4me
05-10-2014, 06:10 AM
In spite of the obvious, I can't wait to see this guy at camp. He's going to fun to watch, I just hope he's worth a 3rd round pick. I may question the picks, but have decided to embrace what each player can bring to us.

stillers4me
05-10-2014, 06:11 AM
Did we just draft Chris Rainey again ?

No. He's faster than Rainey, and hopefully smarter.

ALLD
05-10-2014, 06:53 AM
Well, if it works out for a season then fine. If not, then they would have better off traded up in the first and given this 3rd round pick as compensation and drafted for need. Personally, I would have traded up and skipped the Hail Marys.

tube517
05-10-2014, 06:56 AM
Did we just draft Chris Rainey again ?

Naw, we got Dri McClarcher-Bey

GBMelBlount
05-10-2014, 06:56 AM
Archer adds a highly explosive element to our offense.

Nice video - SHIFTY is the right work.


Sometimes, a player is just too good to pass up.

Kent State running back Dri Archer is among the most explosive football players in the entire country. He’s slight at only 5’8” and 175 pounds, but when you are as quick and shifty as he is, you rarely take a big hit. During his college career, he displayed a very complete game. I invite everyone to go back and watch him in 2012.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2058118-how-dri-archer-fits-with-the-pittsburgh-steelers

Dwinsgames
05-10-2014, 07:33 AM
Dri is, in fact, a WR.

For those of you with long enough memory, think of this as a, shorter version of Tamarick Vanover.

he is listed as a WR many places , including our draft forums favorite game ( First-pick )

he is listed some places as a RB ....

he is really just a difference maker who can do a little bit of everything , danger of taking it to the house in a variety of manners be it running catching or returning ...

what will he be considered pick wise for us in terms of grading the mock contest will be interesting at best LOL

I do not see a category for Mr. Everything

LLT
05-10-2014, 08:06 AM
Dri is, in fact, a WR.



Wrong.

Dri Archer is a tailback who often lined up as a WR. Though versatile, his primary role in college was always RB.

Any site projecting him as a WR was just that...a projection.

According to the Steelers own site.

Archer can potentially fill the scat-back, specialty back, complementary back role LaRod Stephens-Howling was unable to handle last season due to a season-ending injury in the opener. Archer also will solve the issues the Steelers had in 2013 with kickoff returns
http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/5-reasons-to-like-Dri-Archer/0d14ff90-fa27-4299-8a37-4f533e91b1c0

Mojouw
05-10-2014, 08:57 AM
Well, if it works out for a season then fine. If not, then they would have better off traded up in the first and given this 3rd round pick as compensation and drafted for need. Personally, I would have traded up and skipped the Hail Marys.

can't trade compensation picks.

Steelerette
05-10-2014, 09:07 AM
Wrong.

Dri Archer is a tailback who often lined up as a WR. Though versatile, his primary role in college was always RB.

Any site projecting him as a WR was just that...a projection.

According to the Steelers own site.

Sure he's technically a RB. But people are wanting a receiving threat and, we got one. I think we'll still see, either one bigger guy today, or a FA pickup, once is said and done.

Mojouw
05-10-2014, 09:13 AM
Not sure what to think about this one. I guess it is clear that LRSH won't be back. Also Colbert and Co continue their quixotic quest for a small fast guy. Logan (at least he didn't cost a draft pick), Rainey, Hypen. Hope this one works out.

Steelerette
05-10-2014, 09:16 AM
Maybe they're banking on the law of averages. They keep selecting these type of player. Eventually one has to somewhat pan out.

I wonder if he can punt too.

LLT
05-10-2014, 09:25 AM
Sure he's technically a RB. But people are wanting a receiving threat and, we got one. I think we'll still see, either one bigger guy today, or a FA pickup, once is said and done.

He is running back that is versatile and can catch out of the backfield and occasionaly line up as a WR. Just want to make sure that is clear for those who had the Steelers taking a WR in the third round. Also dont want to rip off those who correctly projected a RB in the 3rd round.

Mojouw
05-10-2014, 09:28 AM
Fair point. I guess Rainey, McCluster, etc are the examples that make the Archer pick look like a stretch. To be balanced, I looked at some things.

Archer is almost the exact same size as Tavon Austin. In fact their scouting reports read eerily similar. Austin went in the 1st round.

Archer is 14 pounds lighter than Randall Cobb, but he is faster. Again, his profile reads alot like Cobb's.

Archer is about the same size as Desean Jackson.

Maybe if we all think about Archer as potentially more along the lines of Austin, Cobb, and Jackson rather than Rainey, McCluster, etc. this pick takes on a different outlook?

Shoes
05-10-2014, 09:37 AM
Fair point. I guess Rainey, McCluster, etc are the examples that make the Archer pick look like a stretch. To be balanced, I looked at some things.

Archer is almost the exact same size as Tavon Austin. In fact their scouting reports read eerily similar. Austin went in the 1st round.

Archer is 14 pounds lighter than Randall Cobb, but he is faster. Again, his profile reads alot like Cobb's.

Archer is about the same size as Desean Jackson.
Maybe if we all think about Archer as potentially more along the lines of Austin, Cobb, and Jackson rather than Rainey, McCluster, etc. this pick takes on a different outlook?

Makes sense, Mojo….good point!

Dwinsgames
05-10-2014, 09:59 AM
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1725062/dri-archer (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1725062/dri-archer)

LLT
05-10-2014, 10:08 AM
Fair point. I guess Rainey, McCluster, etc are the examples that make the Archer pick look like a stretch. To be balanced, I looked at some things.

Archer is almost the exact same size as Tavon Austin. In fact their scouting reports read eerily similar. Austin went in the 1st round.

Archer is 14 pounds lighter than Randall Cobb, but he is faster. Again, his profile reads alot like Cobb's.

Archer is about the same size as Desean Jackson.

Maybe if we all think about Archer as potentially more along the lines of Austin, Cobb, and Jackson rather than Rainey, McCluster, etc. this pick takes on a different outlook?

I would just look at Archer as potentially the fastest man in the NFL.

Even without using comparisons he is...a scat back that can catch out of the back field... move up as a WR on an audible...and adds additional value as a kick returner.

Steelerette
05-10-2014, 10:32 AM
What you have to love is, looking at his twitter and other social media, Archer is ECSTATIC to be a Steeler.

Drazo85
05-10-2014, 11:29 AM
Im watching these tailbacks/receivers geting picked, and there are some who are lighter than Archer. Not many of them are shorter.

oneforthetoe
05-10-2014, 11:45 AM
Maybe the Steelers are just ahead of the curve? Think about it. In Goodell's modern NFL, soon you will not be able to hit anyone. So the league can be filled with fast, athletic, slightly built players. Heck in 5 years he might be able to play linebacker. Imagine how quick he would be bursting through the line to grab the flag attached to the quarterbacks waist?

86WARD
05-10-2014, 12:04 PM
Actually now that they chose Bryant, I like this pick...

Mojouw
05-10-2014, 12:16 PM
Actually now that they chose Bryant, I like this pick...

Amazingly enough, Archer had a 3rd round grade on him almost everywhere I looked. I think the pick was a correct round valuation, but I question it from the Steelers roster perspective.

However, I agree. By backing that pick up Bryant and perhaps then being able to get a CB in the 5th -- maybe the Steelers did have their board stacked correctly.

That all depends on Archer being a weapon in space and not just a gimmicky return specialist.

SteelerFanInStl
05-10-2014, 12:33 PM
Amazingly enough, Archer had a 3rd round grade on him almost everywhere I looked. I think the pick was a correct round valuation, but I question it from the Steelers roster perspective.

However, I agree. By backing that pick up Bryant and perhaps then being able to get a CB in the 5th -- maybe the Steelers did have their board stacked correctly.

That all depends on Archer being a weapon in space and not just a gimmicky return specialist.

Yea, those 5th round CBs have worked out so well for us in the past. By the time we pick in the 5th, there isn't going to be anything left at the CB position.

Steelerette
05-10-2014, 12:38 PM
I love Deion Belue in the 5th.

Another 5th round CB, Terry Hawthorne from last year, was a tremendous pick at the time but unfortunately injury situation... I wouldn't be surprised to see him in camp this year.

SteelerFanInStl
05-10-2014, 12:52 PM
I love Deion Belue in the 5th.

Another 5th round CB, Terry Hawthorne from last year, was a tremendous pick at the time but unfortunately injury situation... I wouldn't be surprised to see him in camp this year.

I'd take E.J. Gaines over Belue any day.

I liked Hawthorne last year. Thought he had a chance before the injury.

Let's be honest though, these 5th round CBs aren't ever going to be anything more than MAYBE a nickel guy.

Mojouw
05-10-2014, 01:02 PM
I'd take E.J. Gaines over Belue any day.

I liked Hawthorne last year. Thought he had a chance before the injury.

Let's be honest though, these 5th round CBs aren't ever going to be anything more than MAYBE a nickel guy.

Richard Sherman -- 2011 Round 5 Pick #154

Buster Skrine - 5th round Pick

Nolan Carrol - 5th Round Pick

Jason MCCourty and Captain Munnerlyn -- 7th round

Brandon Carr and Orlano Scandrick - 5ht round

That is just back to 2008. Basically, the point is that maybe not all later round DB's work out. Perhaps none that the Steelers pick. But to dismiss it as a possibility is not backed up by recent data.

SteelerFanInStl
05-10-2014, 01:33 PM
Richard Sherman -- 2011 Round 5 Pick #154

Buster Skrine - 5th round Pick

Nolan Carrol - 5th Round Pick

Jason MCCourty and Captain Munnerlyn -- 7th round

Brandon Carr and Orlano Scandrick - 5ht round

That is just back to 2008. Basically, the point is that maybe not all later round DB's work out. Perhaps none that the Steelers pick. But to dismiss it as a possibility is not backed up by recent data.

The odds of it happening are really low and that's even after them sitting the bench for a few years. The Steelers have done nothing but miss on these late round CBs.

If I'm picking, I don't wait until the 5th round to try to fill my biggest need position on the team.

Steelerette
05-10-2014, 01:44 PM
Maybe they thought improving the front 7 and getting a weapon, was bigger need than a DB.

Psycho Ward 86
05-10-2014, 02:50 PM
Im watching these tailbacks/receivers geting picked, and there are some who are lighter than Archer. Not many of them are shorter.

lighter than 175lb? lol, like who?

Drazo85
05-10-2014, 02:58 PM
lighter than 175lb? lol, like who?

De Anthony Thomas 174
Jaulen Saunders 167
Paul Richardson is also 175
John Brown is slightly heavier at 179

Texasteel
05-10-2014, 11:11 PM
De Anthony Thomas 174
Jaulen Saunders 167
Paul Richardson is also 175
John Brown is slightly heavier at 179

Nice list buddy, IMO Archer is a better player than Paul Richardson who was picked ahead of him.

Devilsdancefloor
05-11-2014, 01:06 AM
http://i59.tinypic.com/25in2at.jpg

as much as id like to complain about the picks i cant i have to trust the FO

stillers4me
05-11-2014, 09:22 AM
He's ours now. Can't wait to see how we use him. I'm imagining some sneaky stuff about to unfold in the play book. AB on the kick return (not like he needs to be there) with a toss off to the little road runner and .....boom! Into the the end zone faster than you can say Whizenhunt. :lol: Oh the possibilities.......

Dwinsgames
05-11-2014, 09:30 AM
The difference in Tavon Austin and Di Archer is publicity and draft cost ... little else

TMC
05-11-2014, 01:50 PM
He doesnt have any fumbles in college so it doesnt seem like irresponsible ball handling would be a reason

He had 13 fumbles in college in just over 400 total touches. He lost 10 of those. He had one of the worst fumble rates of all players in the draft.

And, the comparison to Tavon Austin does not hold because Austin is a polished receiver. Austin runs good routes, has solid hands, adjusts to the ball well, and is just a wide receiver. Archer is a runningback that sometimes splits out wide. He is not a great route runner, has limited experience, does not make those great adjustments to the ball, and has small hands causing him to drop some passes. He is a guy that you better hit between the knees and the shoulders. Limited. Is what he is.

GBMelBlount
05-11-2014, 02:10 PM
Maybe they thought improving the front 7 and getting a weapon, was bigger need than a DB.

Agreed.

Or they felt upgrading linebacker and Defensive line would lessen the need at CB.

We have a small window left to win another Superbowl with Ben.

If Archer has some big play ability it adds another dimension to our offense.

I would also like to see Ben sling it deep to him.

ALLD
05-11-2014, 02:43 PM
Geometry is not there to sling it deep to a midget. The percentages are too small, no pun intended. He is strictly dump off, bubble screens and reverses.

GBMelBlount
05-11-2014, 03:03 PM
Geometry is not there to sling it deep to a midget. The percentages are too small, no pun intended. He is strictly dump off, bubble screens and reverses.

I guess we'll see.

Psycho Ward 86
05-11-2014, 03:50 PM
He had 13 fumbles in college in just over 400 total touches. He lost 10 of those. He had one of the worst fumble rates of all players in the draft.

And, the comparison to Tavon Austin does not hold because Austin is a polished receiver. Austin runs good routes, has solid hands, adjusts to the ball well, and is just a wide receiver. Archer is a runningback that sometimes splits out wide. He is not a great route runner, has limited experience, does not make those great adjustments to the ball, and has small hands causing him to drop some passes. He is a guy that you better hit between the knees and the shoulders. Limited. Is what he is.

holy fuck, i was using Sports reference .com, i assumed he didnt fumble because it didnt show on there. now im back to being really pessimistic about this pick. Ugh...

Shoes
05-11-2014, 03:57 PM
Geometry is not there to sling it deep to a midget. The percentages are too small, no pun intended. He is strictly dump off, bubble screens and reverses.

With his speed and 3-4 steps on a DB, Id say the geometry would work well. I'll be sure to bring this thread back at the end of next season, it will be interesting to see how well this kid did.

ALLD
05-11-2014, 05:21 PM
You have to throw it over the DB which will most likely be much taller. So BB will have to go way long which makes it harder to catch because short legs are short arms too.

GBMelBlount
05-11-2014, 05:32 PM
You have to throw it over the DB which will most likely be much taller. So BB will have to go way long which makes it harder to catch because short legs are short arms too.

I would think if lightning boy took it deep occasionally it would spread the defense like Wallace did.

This creates more opportunities.

Psycho Ward 86
05-11-2014, 05:35 PM
With his speed and 3-4 steps on a DB, Id say the geometry would work well. I'll be sure to bring this thread back at the end of next season, it will be interesting to see how well this kid did.

uh, no. not gonna happen. it seems that people conveniently decide that a couple inches dont matter when it is a player on their own team. Youre going to be hard pressed to find any sort of example of a player in the NFL that is 5'8'' or shorter that is a consistent deep threat

GBMelBlount
05-11-2014, 05:40 PM
uh, no. not gonna happen. it seems that people conveniently decide that a couple inches dont matter when it is a player on their own team. Youre going to be hard pressed to find any sort of example of a player in the NFL that is 5'8'' or shorter that is a consistent deep threat

...do any of these other sub 5' 8" players run a 4.26 40?

Also at 5' 8" I would imagine he can cut well and run sharp routes.

Mojouw
05-11-2014, 06:09 PM
Desean Jackson is 5'10" and has a career average of 17.2 yards per reception.

Ernest Givins was 5'9" tall and averaged 14.6 yards per reception for his Oilers career.

Devin Hester is 5"10" and has averaged 12.9 per catch.

I'm sure I could bang away on Pro Football Reference and come up with a bunch of guys that have double digit yards/catch that are within 2 inches of Archer's height. I'm sure we can quibble about the 2 inches.

Look. Almost no one questioned Austin's ability to play in the NFL last year. At one point there was discussion of him going #1 overall. The biggest difference between the two is experience at the WR position. Running routes, body positioning, etc. What have all the recent Steelers mid round WR's had in common? They were either raw, lacked experience, or both. Wallace, Brown, Sanders -- it has been a pretty steady drum-beat of getting these guys up to speed.

I believe in the law of averages and the fact that certain size to speed ratios have been proven to be ideal and successful at specific NFL positions for a reason. But there are exceptions. Archer has 3 outcomes: 1. He sucks and he is this year's Reggie Dunn, only he actually cost a pick. 2. He is a Devin Hester level weapon in the return game. 3. He is another "if he's even he's leavin'" type weapon for Roethlisberger to chuck and duck to. The last time the Steelers had one of those it worked out rather well.

I think that the gamble was worth it. 4.26 or below? Come on. Has anyone tried to see how a guy like that plays in the NFL before? CJ2K was 4.24...

Also, geometry doesn't come into play if he has 27 steps on the DB.

Psycho Ward 86
05-11-2014, 06:44 PM
Desean Jackson is 5'10" and has a career average of 17.2 yards per reception.

Ernest Givins was 5'9" tall and averaged 14.6 yards per reception for his Oilers career.

Devin Hester is 5"10" and has averaged 12.9 per catch.

I'm sure I could bang away on Pro Football Reference and come up with a bunch of guys that have double digit yards/catch that are within 2 inches of Archer's height. I'm sure we can quibble about the 2 inches.

Look. Almost no one questioned Austin's ability to play in the NFL last year. At one point there was discussion of him going #1 overall. The biggest difference between the two is experience at the WR position. Running routes, body positioning, etc. What have all the recent Steelers mid round WR's had in common? They were either raw, lacked experience, or both. Wallace, Brown, Sanders -- it has been a pretty steady drum-beat of getting these guys up to speed.

I believe in the law of averages and the fact that certain size to speed ratios have been proven to be ideal and successful at specific NFL positions for a reason. But there are exceptions. Archer has 3 outcomes: 1. He sucks and he is this year's Reggie Dunn, only he actually cost a pick. 2. He is a Devin Hester level weapon in the return game. 3. He is another "if he's even he's leavin'" type weapon for Roethlisberger to chuck and duck to. The last time the Steelers had one of those it worked out rather well.

I think that the gamble was worth it. 4.26 or below? Come on. Has anyone tried to see how a guy like that plays in the NFL before? CJ2K was 4.24...

Also, geometry doesn't come into play if he has 27 steps on the DB.

normally i would be fine with quibbling over 2 inches, but archer is bottom basement small AND short so that really matters imo. Sproles for example may be 2 inches smaller, but is significantly bigger.

All the negatives aside, again i was warming up to dri archer and got really excited until i realized he has 13 career fumbles (10 lost), an average of a fumble every 37 touches. Thats absolutely horrible. I can understand now why he wasnt trusted for punt return duty

TMC
05-11-2014, 07:04 PM
Archer had 2 receptions over 25 yards in 2013. One was against Southern Alabama. It went for 73 yards. He ran a corner route, DB lost him (not outran, just got turned and lost him). Archer was open by @10 yards, caught a floater to the sideline and even though the DB had an angle, he was able to outrun the angle and score. The second TD was 66 yards and it was against NIU. He started in the slot, ran a deep crosser, safety breaks and tries to make a diving play on the ball and just whiffs. Archer catches it and can walk the 35 yards into the endzone.

He had several other plays where they ran the wheel or pushed him down the edge trying to get something deep and cheap. Archer had gotten behind the man, but just really does not show the ball skills to go up and bring it down. He is not a guy that will high point many catches. He also has some unsightly drops. If he is asked to make adjustmetns to the ball in the air, he can struggle. Not great on low throws either, will end up on the ground after flailing at it. Just not a natural pass catcher, will body catch, smallish hands (under 9"). He fights the ball sometimes. As a slot receiver, we have the guy from New Orleans for 2 seasons, might take that long for Archer to acclimate his game to the next level, develop as a route runner, work on attacking the ball in the air, and just develop as a receiver.

At this point, he is a gadget for the offense. His best use is on WR screens, jet runs, reverses, wide pitches from the backfield, very similar to Chris Rainey.

He has the size of some of the WRs mentions, guys like Ace Sanders, Tavon Austin and the like, just not anywhere near as polished as a WR.

Colbert said he views a great return man as a starter. That is his role right now.

LLT
05-11-2014, 07:24 PM
uh, no. not gonna happen. it seems that people conveniently decide that a couple inches dont matter when it is a player on their own team. Youre going to be hard pressed to find any sort of example of a player in the NFL that is 5'8'' or shorter that is a consistent deep threat

Its a mute point. He was drafted as a running back. Everyone is acting like we drafted a short WR....NO!!! we drafted a scatback who is versatile enough to occasional move up to the line.

From the mouth of Steelers running back coach James Saxon:


We just selected Dri Archer in the third round. We are very, very excited. This organization just got another potentially great football player. He is going to add to the running back room very well. He is going to be able to be a dynamic football player with the ball in his hands. I’m very excited and looking forward to working with the young man. We are ready to roll.
http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-Select-Dri-Archer-in-the-Third-Round/cd59e9e7-a05b-4ce0-8b28-0516338637f7

Steelerette
05-11-2014, 07:31 PM
I'm pretty excited about what Archer brings to the table.

Even if the only thing he does is kick returns... the difference in field position between starting around the 20 to starting around the 35 (I pulled those number out of thin air but you get the point) would be huge... if he indeed lives up to his potential in that department.

- - - Updated - - -

We still need one more RB to round out the roster.

Bell
Blount
Archer

Alright. Archer is certainly lightning to Bell and Blount's thunder. But I still feel we need a versatile guy with hands and a bit of quickness. Archer makes LRSH probably irrelevant. Do you all figure we give Tauren Poole a chance? Or bring back Felix Jones (I think he'd round us out well)? Someone else entirely?

Mojouw
05-11-2014, 08:16 PM
I'm pretty excited about what Archer brings to the table.

Even if the only thing he does is kick returns... the difference in field position between starting around the 20 to starting around the 35 (I pulled those number out of thin air but you get the point) would be huge... if he indeed lives up to his potential in that department.

- - - Updated - - -

We still need one more RB to round out the roster.

Bell
Blount
Archer

Alright. Archer is certainly lightning to Bell and Blount's thunder. But I still feel we need a versatile guy with hands and a bit of quickness. Archer makes LRSH probably irrelevant. Do you all figure we give Tauren Poole a chance? Or bring back Felix Jones (I think he'd round us out well)? Someone else entirely?

I think someone will be added after the Woodley money clears and some cuts filter out around the league. No rush to add a "name" now. See if a youngish vet role player shakes loose later in the summer.

Steelerette
05-11-2014, 08:17 PM
like Mewelde Moore did that one time.

Dwinsgames
05-11-2014, 08:23 PM
This ( for me ) is a kid you try and find a half dozen touches per game for not including special teams duties ... pitch , bubble screen , reverse , couple slants ...

splash play capable anytime he touches the ball ........

over use will kill his effectiveness due to his size , keep him fresh as possible

Jaucer
05-11-2014, 08:54 PM
Didn't read the last several post so excuse me if already covered. I look at the possibility of having Archer and Bell in the backfield at the same time as nightmare for opposing D's. How would you cover that? There is the potential to give to Bell up the middle, go to either on the outside or to use misdirection to get Archer around the outside in open space. The question is can Haley devise the right offensive scheme and plays to truly utilize the weapons this team has. I think he can.

Shoes
05-11-2014, 10:35 PM
uh, no. not gonna happen. it seems that people conveniently decide that a couple inches dont matter when it is a player on their own team. Youre going to be hard pressed to find any sort of example of a player in the NFL that is 5'8'' or shorter that is a consistent deep threat

You make it sound like things can't be done without an example. While I don't think Archer will be use as a deep threat often, I'll let him speak for himself on the field and wish him the best.

Psycho Ward 86
05-12-2014, 12:02 AM
You make it sound like things can't be done without an example. While I don't think Archer will be use as a deep threat often, I'll let him speak for himself on the field and wish him the best.

without precedent, its just hard to believe things.

LLT, i see where youre coming from, but if we drafted a "scatback" with a 3rd round pick then that pick was truly wasted. A 3rd round RB for us needs to be wearing as many hats as possible.

Theres just no way a guy this diminutive is going to be so good at just running the ball, or just catching the ball, or just returning the ball that itll make the 3rd round pick a worthy investment. He needs to be good at all of those. And lose the butter and not fumble so much like he did in college. And hopefully be able to be our punt returner as well (people were excited about archer taking AB off of punt return duty when he has only returned 6 punts for 8 yards. so that doesnt look like the case at the moment.)

stillers4me
05-12-2014, 11:24 AM
I'd rather waste a pick on someone like Archer, who will actually contribute than the pick we wasted last year on Landry Jones.

HollywoodSteel
05-12-2014, 01:19 PM
without precedent, its just hard to believe things.

LLT, i see where youre coming from, but if we drafted a "scatback" with a 3rd round pick then that pick was truly wasted. A 3rd round RB for us needs to be wearing as many hats as possible.

Theres just no way a guy this diminutive is going to be so good at just running the ball, or just catching the ball, or just returning the ball that itll make the 3rd round pick a worthy investment. He needs to be good at all of those. And lose the butter and not fumble so much like he did in college. And hopefully be able to be our punt returner as well (people were excited about archer taking AB off of punt return duty when he has only returned 6 punts for 8 yards. so that doesnt look like the case at the moment.)

I agree about punt returning. In the modern NFL they are trying to get kickoff returns out of the game completely so this becomes extra important.

Like very one else, I have mixed feelings about the pick. On the hand hand, I've heard experts saying that this kid will be a first year pro-bowler as a kick returner. I certainly hope that's true. But to wear a hat on Sundays you really want him to do more than that. I worry that any time he lines up in the backfield you have to give him the ball or at least run play action because he is (as far as I've heard) useless as a blocker, so he'll be a liability if he isn't at least a decoy on the play. I'll be optimistic for now… but if he whiffs on a block and gets Ben killed I'll hate him forever. :)

LLT
05-12-2014, 03:58 PM
without precedent, its just hard to believe things.

LLT, i see where youre coming from, but if we drafted a "scatback" with a 3rd round pick then that pick was truly wasted. A 3rd round RB for us needs to be wearing as many hats as possible.

Theres just no way a guy this diminutive is going to be so good at just running the ball, or just catching the ball, or just returning the ball that itll make the 3rd round pick a worthy investment. He needs to be good at all of those. And lose the butter and not fumble so much like he did in college. And hopefully be able to be our punt returner as well (people were excited about archer taking AB off of punt return duty when he has only returned 6 punts for 8 yards. so that doesnt look like the case at the moment.)

Ill be the first to say that i think we could have gotten a scat back in the later rounds....HOWEVER...I think with Archer you have to add the value he brings with his versatility. We got our small back....our kick returner...our punt returner...and someone who can line up as a WR on occasion.

Do I think it was a wasted pick? Absolutely not.

Do I think we reached a bit? Yes. but.....I think there is a very real possibility that he proves me wrong.

Dwinsgames
05-12-2014, 04:00 PM
Ill be the first to say that i think we could have gotten a scat back in the later rounds....HOWEVER...I think with Archer you have to add the value he brings with his versatility. We got our small back....our kick returner...our punt returner...and someone who can line up as a WR on occasion.

Do I think it was a wasted pick? Absolutely not.

Do I think we reached a bit? Yes. but.....I think there is a very real possibility that he proves me wrong.


good post

lilyoder6
05-12-2014, 08:44 PM
you have to also remember that he did TIE calvin Johnson for the shortest amount of steps to run the 40. so I can see archer running a lot of crossing patterns and by the time he hits the middle of the field he should have a good few steps on however will cover him and will turn any of those into monster gains by theory of no one should be by him to make a tackle as soon as he catches the ball. and then when teams start to see that and play more towards stopping that ben can go over the top to AB or Bryant. He could turn into our new mike Wallace except for the fact he doesn't just run fade routes

Psycho Ward 86
05-12-2014, 10:47 PM
Ill be the first to say that i think we could have gotten a scat back in the later rounds....HOWEVER...I think with Archer you have to add the value he brings with his versatility. We got our small back....our kick returner...our punt returner...and someone who can line up as a WR on occasion.

Do I think it was a wasted pick? Absolutely not.

Do I think we reached a bit? Yes. but.....I think there is a very real possibility that he proves me wrong.

see, i keep getting excited about him in all aspects, but with every facet of his game, i keep seeing major red flags that put a damper on my enthusiasm. One of those dampers being his alleged punt return ability. Why do i keep hearing about him being a punt returner? He has 6 career punt returns for 8 yards. Maybe there was a reason for this. Probably because he has 13 career fumbles I assume? I dont want a careless ball handler handling the ball.

- - - Updated - - -


you have to also remember that he did TIE calvin Johnson for the shortest amount of steps to run the 40. so I can see archer running a lot of crossing patterns and by the time he hits the middle of the field he should have a good few steps on however will cover him and will turn any of those into monster gains by theory of no one should be by him to make a tackle as soon as he catches the ball. and then when teams start to see that and play more towards stopping that ben can go over the top to AB or Bryant. He could turn into our new mike Wallace except for the fact he doesn't just run fade routes

very interesting. i didnt realize they keep track of that. i noticed in his tape that he does have some big strides in the open field but damn, i didnt think they were that big. Indicates good leg turnover. one less thing form me to dislike i suppose haha

stillers4me
05-17-2014, 01:45 PM
I know, I know it's early and they are still in shorts as Tomlin says. Tweet today from Mark Kaboly....

https://twitter.com/markkaboly_trib/status/467706704235610112

Psycho Ward 86
05-17-2014, 02:01 PM
I know, I know it's early and they are still in shorts as Tomlin says. Tweet today from Mark Kaboly....

https://twitter.com/markkaboly_trib/status/467706704235610112

Good insightful tweet. Hope he can take brown off of punt return duty

Steelerette
05-17-2014, 03:20 PM
Good insightful tweet. Hope he can take brown off of punt return duty
I think we have to find a way to get Brown off that either way. If Dri can't do it, we have to make Heyward-Bey or Wheaton do it, or something at least.