Dri Archer has minimal impact on offense, kicking game

[Steelperch]

http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-stee ... cking-game

PITTSBURGH -- Whenever I am asked after an NFL draft how the Pittsburgh Steelers fared my stock answer is this: Ask me in three years.

Archer
I think it takes at least that long to fairly evaluate a draft -- and the players in it -- which is why it is way too premature to skewer the Steelers for using a third-round pick in May on running back Dri Archer.

But the pick looks as puzzling seven weeks into the NFL season as it did when the Steelers made a luxury selection even though they had more pressing needs, especially on a defense that is in transition.

Archer has rushed for 37 yards on seven carries and caught just four passes for 9 yards in five games. Archer, who missed two games because of a sprained ankle, is on pace for 129 rushing and receiving yards combined this season.

That is 33 less than what Chris Rainey, another speedy but small back, managed in 2012, the only season the former fifth-round pick played for the Steelers.

The Steelers never figured out how to maximize Rainey's speed and versatility before dumping him after one season because of off-the-field issues.

They are running into the same issues with Archer in part because getting touches for the 5-foot-8, 173-pounder has been as problematic as it looked when the Steelers drafted him with Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount already atop the depth chart at running back.

Bell has been an absolute stud in his second season and he is so valuable that the Steelers are having a hard enough time finding playing time for Blount much less Archer.

The biggest indictment of the Archer pick to date is he has not provided the jolt that the Steelers had hoped for on special teams.

Archer routinely gets tackled short of the 20-yard line and that is when teams aren't kicking the ball out of the end zone.

Archer may be one of the fastest players in the NFL but he is last among those with at least nine kickoff returns (17.9 yards per return). General manager Kevin Colbert said after the Steelers picked Archer that they took him so high because they viewed the Kent State product as a starter because of his kick-return ability.

So far that hasn't translated into Archer making an impact in the kicking game.

It is way too early to condemn the pick, and Archer could develop into the dynamic kickoff returner and player who can exploit mismatches that the Steelers envisioned when they drafted him.

But considering the dearth of promising young cornerbacks on the roster it is right to question whether the Steelers wouldn't have been better off addressing that position -- or any number of other ones on defense -- before taking a player like Archer.

Bolded part was said at the moment the pick was announced by many at this site.

[K_C_]

Horrific pick.

I hope the kid becomes a situational weapon (I'm not holding my breath) but, in the 3rd fucking round?

Horrific pick.

Emphasis on "horrific."

[Legacy User]

I've been watching the "FINDING GIANTS" series on NFL Network. There have been some complaints in NYC about recent Giant drafts, but the Giants GM came onto the scene in 2007, and has two rings to show for his efforts. A host of players made the 2007 roster, a SB team that beat the 18-1 Patriots that season.

The Giants had a game plan. They were looking for "clean" players, who were team captains/leaders, and who played the game a certain way.
They targeted Odelll Beckham before he started rising in the mock drafts, and they were on film during the senior bowl drooling over the Center from Colorado State. They even wanted to trade up in round #2 because after round #1 he was their target. They didn't have to trade up.

In round #3, they began looking to fill NEED positions. One of their scouts opined that scouts earn their paychecks on rounds 4--7. The Giants clearly have a plan and stick to it, and don't fall in love with guys who make splash plays AT THE COMBINE.

Nobody is perfect at drafting horseflesh, but when you have a clear need position (TE to replace Heath, WR to complement AB, CB to replace Ike, if not a couple in the new NFL), I just can't see how you draft Shazier in round #1 as talented as I hope he will be, and I definitely don't see how you draft a return man with size issues in round #3 -- and risk not getting Bryant who may not have been available in round #4.

[Baltostiller]

I REALLY wanted to like this kid. He has been such a disappointment. No balls returning Kickoffs and his "speed" definitely doesn't translate. What a waste.

[Steelperch]

I hope he turns it around and becomes a weapon in the return game. Even if he does, it was written in stone before he was drafted that he'd never develop into a positional starter in the NFL. You just can't draft a guy like that in the top 100 picks in a loaded draft. Especially when your roster has as many holes as it does.

[CASTEELER]

Horrific pick.

I hope the kid becomes a situational weapon (I'm not holding my breath) but, in the 3rd fucking round?

Horrific pick.

Emphasis on "horrific."

Agreed "Horrific" pick it was. The could of got him in the 5th round as no other team was stupid enough to want him. Well mayby the Raiders!

[Kodiak]

Archer has been having a pretty good impact on returns for the other team.

[Legacy User]

Well, I'm in the minority but I'm gonna hold out hope that he can become a Dexter McCluster type back at some point.

We tend to say some irrational things on this site (insert "NO", like when John Candy in Stripes says, "if you haven't noticed, I have a slight weight problem")....and expecting him to be cut immediately is right up there.

Maybe he truly sucks, isn't as fast as advertised, and is simply not cut out for the NFL. I'm not saying thats not a possibility. I think he still has potential.

[Legacy User]

Well, I'm in the minority but I'm gonna hold out hope that he can become a Dexter McCluster type back at some point.

We tend to say some irrational things on this site (insert "NO", like when John Candy in Stripes says, "if you haven't noticed, I have a slight weight problem")....and expecting him to be cut immediately is right up there.

Maybe he truly sucks, isn't as fast as advertised, and is simply not cut out for the NFL. I'm not saying thats not a possibility. I think he still has potential.

Do you think he has earned a hat on game days up to this point?

[Orangesteel]

Dexter McCluster?

What are you guys seeing out there? He looks like a Pop Warner cast-off that is getting playing time for charitable reasons. He's timid, looks fragile, and is getting too many touches as is. Ben has a hard time hitting midget receivers already, we don't need to make it even more difficult for him trying to spot Archer out there.

We are fighting for our playoff lives at this point. We cannot afford luxury experiments at scoring positions. Enough is enough. If he gets a hat over Bryant this week I'm flying back to Pittsburgh to shit in Tomlin's yard

[Kodiak]

He's got less wiggle than Audrey Hepburn in a helicopter

[tbsteel]

I REALLY wanted to like this kid. He has been such a disappointment. No balls returning Kickoffs and his "speed" definitely doesn't translate. What a waste.

Yeah, he's sucked on returns and has ran like a guy that doesn't want to get hit, but I will say our blocking has been horrific. Can't remember a worse blocking kick return unit we've had here, which is saying something. STs in general this year has been a nightmare, as always. Problems like this with Tomlin never get fixed.

The biggest problem for him, as others have mentioned, is the guy has no wiggle. That's something you either have or don't.

[Legacy User]

Well, I'm in the minority but I'm gonna hold out hope that he can become a Dexter McCluster type back at some point.

We tend to say some irrational things on this site (insert "NO", like when John Candy in Stripes says, "if you haven't noticed, I have a slight weight problem")....and expecting him to be cut immediately is right up there.

Maybe he truly sucks, isn't as fast as advertised, and is simply not cut out for the NFL. I'm not saying thats not a possibility. I think he still has potential.

Do you think he has earned a hat on game days up to this point?

Catch 22. How does he learn and show he can do this without a hat?

Tell me who he is keeping off the field and I will honestly answer your question.

Bryant? No, I want Bryant on the field.

But give me some names to decide.

[Legacy User]

I REALLY wanted to like this kid. He has been such a disappointment. No balls returning Kickoffs and his "speed" definitely doesn't translate. What a waste.

Yeah, he's sucked on returns and has ran like a guy that doesn't want to get hit, but I will say our blocking has been horrific. Can't remember a worse blocking kick return unit we've had here, which is saying something. STs in general this year has been a nightmare, as always. Problems like this with Tomlin never get fixed.

The biggest problem for him, as others have mentioned, is the guy has no wiggle. That's something you either have or don't.

Seen some improvement in coverage teams....so that's a start.

[Legacy User]

Well, I'm in the minority but I'm gonna hold out hope that he can become a Dexter McCluster type back at some point.

We tend to say some irrational things on this site (insert "NO", like when John Candy in Stripes says, "if you haven't noticed, I have a slight weight problem")....and expecting him to be cut immediately is right up there.

Maybe he truly sucks, isn't as fast as advertised, and is simply not cut out for the NFL. I'm not saying thats not a possibility. I think he still has potential.

Do you think he has earned a hat on game days up to this point?

Catch 22. How does he learn and show he can do this without a hat?

Tell me who he is keeping off the field and I will honestly answer your question.

Bryant? No, I want Bryant on the field.

But give me some names to decide.

Ive seen enough of both Archer and Mcullers to prefer McCullers in the lineup as well.

[Legacy User]

Archer may be one of the fastest players in the NFL but he is last among those with at least nine kickoff returns (17.9 yards per return). General manager Kevin Colbert said after the Steelers picked Archer that they took him so high because they viewed the Kent State product as a starter because of his kick-return ability.

So far that hasn't translated into Archer making an impact in the kicking game.

Colbert didn't do his homework on Archer at all. Archer didn't return punts in college (only 6 returns over 4 years, netting a puny 8 yards!) And get this...his senior year Archer didn't even return kicks! He only had 2 KRs!

His best year, his junior year he was 2nd in the nation in KR average (min 10 returns) with a 36.9 yard average. Guess who was number 1 with a 51.3 yard average????

Former Steeler Reggie Dunn!

The point is Colbert whiffed royally on this pick. How do you not see the red flags waving all over the place when this supposed ELITE return man a) isn't even returning punts in college and b) wasn't even returning kicks his senior year! Mindblowing stupidity.

[steelmann58]

Archer has not impressed me at all as a KR. His run across the field Monday night was a joke and think someone else deserves his hat. KC you blew a 3 rd rounder on a bust.

[V DUB]

Thing is he hasn't been bad as a RB. I expect that's where he'll show value, if he does. KR's are a joke until it gets cold...with the rule change.

Agree it was a luxury pick, but he has a ways to go before bust. I'm all for Bryant getting a hat before Archer though. Have fucking Blount back there returning.

[Kodiak]

should have signed this guy to return kicks

[Legacy User]

should have signed this guy to return kicks

If he's not available, what about Forrest Gump? Maybe the team IQ average would ascend a few points as well.

[Legacy User]

I've been watching the "FINDING GIANTS" series on NFL Network. There have been some complaints in NYC about recent Giant drafts, but the Giants GM came onto the scene in 2007, and has two rings to show for his efforts. A host of players made the 2007 roster, a SB team that beat the 18-1 Patriots that season.

The Giants had a game plan. They were looking for "clean" players, who were team captains/leaders, and who played the game a certain way.
They targeted Odelll Beckham before he started rising in the mock drafts, and they were on film during the senior bowl drooling over the Center from Colorado State. They even wanted to trade up in round #2 because after round #1 he was their target. They didn't have to trade up.

In round #3, they began looking to fill NEED positions. One of their scouts opined that scouts earn their paychecks on rounds 4--7. The Giants clearly have a plan and stick to it, and don't fall in love with guys who make splash plays AT THE COMBINE.

Nobody is perfect at drafting horseflesh, but when you have a clear need position (TE to replace Heath, WR to complement AB, CB to replace Ike, if not a couple in the new NFL), I just can't see how you draft Shazier in round #1 as talented as I hope he will be, and I definitely don't see how you draft a return man with size issues in round #3 -- and risk not getting Bryant who may not have been available in round #4.

But they DID get Bryant, and who was there to be that R3 TE?

The corner class had some stars on top, and the rest were late rounders...

Don't you worry, I think the Steelers have done some shitty drafting the last few years. Just not sure this class was it.

I hated the Archer pick, too. But I struggle to come up with some alternative that was a sure thing. Just needs that weren't met.

[Legacy User]

I've been watching the "FINDING GIANTS" series on NFL Network. There have been some complaints in NYC about recent Giant drafts, but the Giants GM came onto the scene in 2007, and has two rings to show for his efforts. A host of players made the 2007 roster, a SB team that beat the 18-1 Patriots that season.

The Giants had a game plan. They were looking for "clean" players, who were team captains/leaders, and who played the game a certain way.
They targeted Odelll Beckham before he started rising in the mock drafts, and they were on film during the senior bowl drooling over the Center from Colorado State. They even wanted to trade up in round #2 because after round #1 he was their target. They didn't have to trade up.

In round #3, they began looking to fill NEED positions. One of their scouts opined that scouts earn their paychecks on rounds 4--7. The Giants clearly have a plan and stick to it, and don't fall in love with guys who make splash plays AT THE COMBINE.

Nobody is perfect at drafting horseflesh, but when you have a clear need position (TE to replace Heath, WR to complement AB, CB to replace Ike, if not a couple in the new NFL), I just can't see how you draft Shazier in round #1 as talented as I hope he will be, and I definitely don't see how you draft a return man with size issues in round #3 -- and risk not getting Bryant who may not have been available in round #4.

But they DID get Bryant, and who was there to be that R3 TE?
The corner class had some stars on top, and the rest were late rounders...
Don't you worry, I think the Steelers have done some shitty drafting the last few years. Just not sure this class was it.
I hated the Archer pick, too. But I struggle to come up with some alternative that was a sure thing. Just needs that weren't met.

Jones, some here may not have seen the "Giants" piece on NFL Network so I thought I'd share that with a few people.
Time was here when virtually everyone thought Ben was an elite QB -- I still believe a majority here still might. Some don't -- fair enough.

Maybe it's just me, but I believe if you expect your elite QB to shine that giving him play makers serves that agenda best. I think it's fair to say that losing Sanders and Cotchery, while only getting Lance Moore & DHB in the off season, didn't really change, IMHO, an already questionable receiving corps. Factor in Heath's age and speed reduction and BR7 needed a couple of weapons just to break even. So how did the FO respond -- LB, DE, and return specialist.

Let's assume that the FO values BR7 as it should -- despite not extending BR7 last summer. Is your draft plan really to wait and see whose on the board in round #4? Is your plan to really bypass at least ONE receiver (WR or TE) in rounds 1-2-3? All this after the post season departures discussed earlier?

[bradshaw2ben]

the best CB for the Steelers defense went in R4, Dontae Johnson

The TEs last year weren't such a deep group.

[Rod & Wire Mill]

I REALLY wanted to like this kid. He has been such a disappointment. No balls returning Kickoffs and his "speed" definitely doesn't translate. What a waste.

Yeah, he's sucked on returns and has ran like a guy that doesn't want to get hit, but I will say our blocking has been horrific. Can't remember a worse blocking kick return unit we've had here, which is saying something. STs in general this year has been a nightmare, as always. Problems like this with Tomlin never get fixed.

The biggest problem for him, as others have mentioned, is the guy has no wiggle. That's something you either have or don't.

No wiggle, also no vision.