Steelers select Dri Archer in Round 3

[TMC]

In the same press conference, Coach Tomlin said
This guy [Archer] lines up out if the backfield and is a legitimate route runner that shows a skill set conducive to doing some real receiver things, as opposed to a running back removed from the backfield, so … This is a guy that will create some unique opportunities for us from the package standpoint… Is he a running back or a wideout – he’s a splash playmaker…"

I agree he is a legitimate route runner when he splits out wide, when you compare him to, say, Jonathan Dwyer. He is not going to lumber around like some drunk at 2 am hunting his car, but when compared to RECEIVERS, not RBs out of the backfield, but pure receivers, he is not in their caliber.

He has a "skill set conducive to doing some real receiver things". I ******* hope so, since many here think he is a slot receiver. Conducive means to make a certain outcome likely or possible. So, he has a skill set that makes it likely or possible that he can do some real receiver things. That is a glowing endorsement.

More Tomlin on Archer
“This is a guy that is going to create some unique opportunities for us from a package standpoint in terms of him getting identified,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “Is he a running back? Is he a wideout? Regardless of position, I think he’s a playmaker. He’s a guy that gets yards in chunks and rings up the scoreboard.”

I wonder if Tomlin is asking if he is a runningback or wideout because he is unsure. Regardless of position.....******* ouch. Why would you not call him a runningback that can play WR or a WR that we can use at RB? Package standpoint? You mean he cannot be a guy that you use consistently in the slot? I wonder if he considered Marcus Wheaton a package WR or if he felt he had the potential to just be a WR. I wonder if Bryant is a package WR or a potential all the time WR? Package. Regardless of position. Skill set conducive to being a real receiver as opposed to being a fake one. Strike up the band, beat the drums, drown out the other noise.

Steelers WR coach Richard Mann
He was a very important receiver for me, so I think after talking to Coach Tomlin and Coach Saxon, he’ll probably move from running back to receiver to return guy. I can visualize us ‘jerry-rigging,’ is the word I use, stuff for him, things he can do well and not just put him in every down but ‘jerry-rig’ stuff for him where everybody knows he’s going to get it, but they just can’t do anything about it.
What we did with Gerald McNeil was make sure we had a plan for him and we stuck to it. I think when you have guys like that, in my opinion, when you give them too much sooner or later you lose them. Football is a big man’s game, there is a place for the small guy, but you have to utilize them correctly and he’ll be a tool and a weapon. That’s what we did with ‘Ice Cube’ and this guy reminds me of him so much when he has the ball in his hands. He’s going to be fun to look at.

The WR coach says he will move around. Sounds like a package guy with no real position. I am sure that will help the WR transition. Not an every down player. So, if they decide to use 3-WR sets as a base offense, he is not the guy.

The WR coach thinks if you give guys like him too much, sooner or later you lose them. Wonder what that means? Oh, wait, he follows that up by stating football is a "big man's game" and he will have to be utilized correctly, meaning limiting his touches to prevent injury.

I see now. How could I have been so foolish as to want them to draft a player that could be an every down type guy. What the hell was I thinking. Packages and guys that have limited uses are so much better, well, until you give them too much and, sooner or later, you lose them.

Hopefully they will keep someone near him on road trips, hate to see him get lost in the hotel and them have to issue an Amber alert.

 

[JupiterBnG]

The WR coach thinks if you give guys like him too much, sooner or later you lose them. Wonder what that means? Oh, wait, he follows that up by stating football is a "big man's game" and he will have to be utilized correctly, meaning limiting his touches to prevent injury.

What more do you expect from a head coach who brazenly stated that he would "run Willie Parker until the wheels fall off," and did exactly that?

 

[t-man]

Listen, I went to breakfast Saturday Morning and my friend said "So, did you see the RB the steelers took in the draft" I said "Dude, I didn't watch the whole thing, ended up doing other stuff, but there is no way they took a running back. I got home, looked the guy up, saw RB, and was like WHAT? Then I read the stuff on him and realized he's our next attempt at a Devon Hester type player. If you hit on one of those, it's pretty awesome, if you miss, you lost a 3rd round pick, but the rest of this draft looks solid enough I'm fine with the gamble. I don't look at it round to round, because rarely does that matter except for what kind of first contract they guy signs. I don't care if they would have picked their last pick first, and their first pick last, as long as we get a a decent amount of talent, I'm happy.

I remember we went back and forth about how if only, if only they would have selected Woodley first, then Timmons, people would have been ok with that draft, since everyone here viewed Woodley as superior, which one is still starting for us again? It takes time, and many times these things don't end up being clear till 5-10 years down the road. Hopefully we're discussing how Archer made a difference for us on our way to a 7th ring at some point. Hell, without Santonio I don't think we are looking at our seventh ring, but we also had Willie Parker help get us to a ring too, one of them was a 1st rounder, and one was a UDFA. It's just how it goes.

I suppose if I put all the time in with analysis of what round who should go it might be more of a hot button issue to me, but I see all these guys as scrubs till they do something in the NFL. I happen to get a little more excited about scrubs who run sub 4.4 40's than I do others, but that's just because as has been said in the past, you can't coach speed.

Joe

 

[antdrewjosh]

Lmao im just posting these things because its the Dri Archer thread. Im not trying to convince you or anyone else on his skillset or why he was picked where he was. You've stated emphatically how you feel about the pick. He has no chance to be a productive player on this level. I got it. I see things that he does that make me think he can. I posted those quotes to help illustrate and maybe shed some light on what they plan to do with the kid. Ive stated though out this thread i dont know if the kid will make it. Ive just taken offense to those saying he has no shot in hell or that he was taken only because he ran 4.26 and they didnt have any type of discussions on how to use him. I really dont know what all the snarky comments are about.. I disagree with you that he has no shot in hell is it that really a big deal.

 

[JupiterBnG]

Lmao im just posting these things because its the Dri Archer thread. Im not trying to convince you or anyone else on his skillset or why he was picked where he was. You've stated emphatically how you feel about the pick. He has no chance to be a productive player on this level. I got it. I see things that he does that make me think he can. I posted those quotes to help illustrate and maybe shed some light on what they plan to do with the kid. Ive stated though out this thread i dont know if the kid will make it. Ive just taken offense to those saying he has no shot in hell or that he was taken only because he ran 4.26 and they didnt have any type of discussions on how to use him. I really dont know what all the snarky comments are about.. I disagree with you that he has no shot in hell is it that really a big deal.

It's the nature of this board that any slight disagreement is transformed into the worst kind of polarization. Everyone is guilty of it. No one here WANTS him to fail. But there's a vast difference between unbridled optimistic homerism and a dose of reality.

 

[antdrewjosh]

Ok now show me where i or anyone else has displayed unbridled optimistic homerism. If anything its been more the sky is falling doomsday WTF were they thinking.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I've been an advocate of "Time will tell". How could one root against a draftee, that hasn't had any time? Your projection of failure, is just that, as ones projection of success, is just that. I'm hoping he pans out and NOT rooting for failure, just so I can say "told yaz so".

NOTE: this is NOT singling any one out, just a look at how some things may look


Salute the nation

 

[JupiterBnG]

Ok now show me where i or anyone else has displayed unbridled optimistic homerism. If anything its been more the sky is falling doomsday WTF were they thinking.

An example of the polarization I was talking about....

 

[Stryker]

I'm on board. I saw the footage. I don't think he's a receiving liability, and I don't think he's helpless in the backfield. We drafted Bell last year and he was supposed to be a great pass catching RB. I saw 5 drops that told my eyes otherwise last year. Archer is now EASILY our BEST pass catcher out of the backfield. 4th and 3 with one back to have as a receiving option, I'm going with Archer every damn time over Bell.

Is Archer the best receiver in the draft? ******* far from it. Is he the best RB in the draft? No as well. What he does have is the ability to run and catch. He has speed WRs would KILL for, and he has the elusiveness and quicks a great RB yearns for. Sure he's undersized, but he has god given talent in both aspects of his game, to create mismatches in coverage. Who in our division can run with this guy out of the LB position. Hell even safeties/slot corners will have a hard time covering him laterally. This is also the type of kid that many of you say can't beat a jam? The kid is a RB, he doesn't fear contact, and he will make a quick move off the press to gain separation, that will NEVER be recovered due to his speed. I've seen the highlights, he makes defenders trip over their own feet before they'd even get a chance to touch this kid.

I like the way he plays, hell I even saw him high point a ball over his head in the end zone under tight pressure, so he is capable.

He will break more defender's ankles than his own if given the proper opportunity.

Welcome to Steeler Nation Mr Archer. Keep handing the ref the football and you'll have a lot of fans here!

 

[TMC]

...but the rest of this draft looks solid enough I'm fine with the gamble.
Joe

That is a solid statement and I agree. I like enough about this draft to not get bent out of shape about the pick. I know many will state that I am from the posts in this thread, but really I am not. I am getting accustomed to the FO making some decisions that I absolutely disagree with and it appears to happen more and more often. I guess the difference with this one is, the percentage of runningbacks or guys that were runningbacks in college that make it at his size, specifically his lack of mass, is pretty small. I view that as a great leap of faith by the front office that they will pick the one guy that bucks the trend. I think you need to maximize your opportunities to add guys that are more scheme diverse, meaning I am not adjusting scheme to get the most from their skill set. I think there were players on the board at the time that fit that idea.

It would be much easier to get bent out of shape for them taking a first round linebacker that gets bounced around. Even though I have been one advocating getting an ILB that is better in coverage, I did not like the pick when it happened. The FO then went and backed up the pick with two massive DL that will help protect those ILBs. When you can see the initial head scratcher and recognize the change in philosophy and understand where they are trying to go, it makes it easier to get on board with the picks.

And that may be why the Archer pick is such a head scratcher. You do not address the OL. You bring in a zone blocking OL coach and have a roster of guys not truly suited for that style, especially at tackle. You add a big back that is not truly a receiver in the offseason, more of a grinder. You already have a big back. You have no proven/seasoned 3rd down backs on roster and you draft a guy that has coaches stating he can play here or here or here but nobody states THIS is his role. It is muddy and disheveled. Zone blocking OL coach, more of a man blocking OL. Big backs to bruise and no real 3rd down guy. At WR, you have one proven guy, one slot guy who is older, and a bunch of questions. Muddy. Need a lot of guys to make jumps on offense to not take a step backwards and we go with a projection, a wish, a hope.

Just not what I would have done. Do like that they backed that up with some players that have some potential though. I like Bryant, Johnson, Blanchflower, and some others. They will need time, but at least you have the potential to get better in the future. .

 

[Stryker]

If he can hit around these numbers combined next year, I'll be happy:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/15786/tavon-austin

 

[Litos]

If he can hit around these numbers combined next year, I'll be happy:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/15786/tavon-austin

that's a high bar to accomplish as Austin was a highly valued WR, but if he gets over 200 receiving yards and a couple of TD in his first season I'll feel satisfied and hopeful that he can progress.
This apart from his contributions as a rusher and returner, what else can you ask a rookie?

 

[deljzc]

Dale Lolly just predicted Archer to get 5 TD's this season.

More fuel to the fire....

 

[JupiterBnG]

that's a high bar to accomplish as Austin was a highly valued WR, but if he gets over 200 receiving yards and a couple of TD in his first season I'll feel satisfied and hopeful that he can progress.
This apart from his contributions as a rusher and returner, what else can you ask a rookie?

The whole team had 28 receiving and 9 rushing TDs last year, with one special teams TD on a punt return (none on KRs). Just trying to give some perspective. 2 TDs would be more than 5% of last year's TD production for the whole team (excluding defensive TDs). Seems like an aggressive goal to set for a rookie with so many question marks swirling around him.

 

[diver]

Let me say this about unbridled optimistic homerism. Realize that I did not like the pick either...

However, I am a big trout fisherman. Whenever I go fishing, I think it is going to be a good day. I am happy when going to the stream. I may have a good day or a disappointing day. If it is disappointing, I will be upset. But here is the key: I wasn't upset before I had to be.

This is the positive about the above. There is nothing we can do to change this pick. However, I am going to focus on what could be positive about it. I may be disappointed later, but again, I will not be before I have to be.

 

[Litos]

The whole team had 28 receiving and 9 rushing TDs last year, with one special teams TD on a punt return (none on KRs). Just trying to give some perspective. 2 TDs would be more than 5% of last year's TD production for the whole team (excluding defensive TDs). Seems like an aggressive goal to set for a rookie with so many question marks swirling around him.

yeap, that's what I was trying to say. Even highly priced rookie WRs struggle to get those kind of numbers (400 yards, 4 TD or more), now why would we ask that to a very late 3rd rounder who is expected to contribute in 3 different positions ?

 

[Vader]

Just curious what people would be disappointed with?

 

[Wingman]

I am sure it would be a little thing that is made out to be a bigger thing than it really is.

 

[Litos]

Just curious what people would be disappointed with?

- with him getting injured due to being smalish (not like Pouncey's injury where a mammoth blows his knee)
- with him running the wrong routes
- with him fumbling or dropping the ball like a hot potato.

Those would disappoint me mightily

 

[Vader]

- with him getting injured due to being smalish (not like Pouncey's injury where a mammoth blows his knee)
- with him running the wrong routes
- with him fumbling or dropping the ball like a hot potato.

Those would disappoint me mightily

Fair enough.....

 

[diver]

Just curious what people would be disappointed with?

I don't know. I am not thinking about that now.

It's kind of like the beginning of every season. Everybody starts the same. Everybody has a chance. I am not worrying about the Ravens game in November. That should be the beauty of being a fan, right? Too much of what is going on in this thread drains the fun out of something that should be enjoyable.

 

[Stryker]

http://m.patriots.com/media-center/...nt-State/c5ed831b-f2db-44de-81ae-1d8f1a0e5f56

I honestly ask you things to see what kind of exaggeration you can come up with next. Apparently it limitless.

In the clip above to me he does somethings as a receiver that can be built upon. But thats just me.

yeap, that's what I was trying to say. Even highly priced rookie WRs struggle to get those kind of numbers (400 yards, 4 TD or more), now why would we ask that to a very late 3rd rounder who is expected to contribute in 3 different positions ?

I was going more for combined yardage, and I think it would be a success if he exceeds those numbers for his first year.

 

[FordFairLane]

I just laugh how people are upset at the 97th overall comp pick. He should be 5-11 210lbs blah blah blah well guess what? If he was 5-11 210lbs ran a 4.26 and had his type of production he'd of been a first round pick!! The steelers took a talented, speedy, productive but undersized football player WITH THEIR THIRD ROUND PICK! Maybe he flops but if you look historically third round picks normally have a 25% of being any form of starter and a 12% chance of being an actually starter or better player. The facts are the steelers were going to take Bryant or Archer so the fact we took Archer first is really irrelavant. I feel they drafted Archer knowing 100% that he was not going to start or have 300 carries or 100 receptions. They drafted him knowing he has world class speed, football ability, and he at the very least will be a return guy. Bryant I feel they hope will turn into a starter but odds are really stacked against him. He has the size unlike Archer but provides little value past receiver. Archer at least can provide depth at RB and WR on game day as well as be a return guy.

I like the pick and though I realize his odds are not great I still hope he becomes the player the Steelers drafted him to be.

 

[Vader]

I just laugh how people are upset at the 97th overall comp pick. He should be 5-11 210lbs blah blah blah well guess what? If he was 5-11 210lbs ran a 4.26 and had his type of production he'd of been a first round pick!! The steelers took a talented, speedy, productive but undersized football player WITH THEIR THIRD ROUND PICK! Maybe he flops but if you look historically third round picks normally have a 25% of being any form of starter and a 12% chance of being an actually starter or better player. The facts are the steelers were going to take Bryant or Archer so the fact we took Archer first is really irrelavant. I feel they drafted Archer knowing 100% that he was not going to start or have 300 carries or 100 receptions. They drafted him knowing he has world class speed, football ability, and he at the very least will be a return guy. Bryant I feel they hope will turn into a starter but odds are really stacked against him. He has the size unlike Archer but provides little value past receiver. Archer at least can provide depth at RB and WR on game day as well as be a return guy.

I like the pick and though I realize his odds are not great I still hope he becomes the player the Steelers drafted him to be.

3rd round picks are still valuable. Drafting a guy that has 0% chance of starting EVER and only has a .001% chance of making his 2nd contract is just dumb. This has been rehashed many times but the FACTS don't change. He isn't a WR. He isn't a punter returner. He can't be a backup RB because he can't handle the load. Even Tomlin said that.

Just like you said, he will at "least" be a KR. Which gives him a few touches a game. Way to high to draft that in this deep draft. Especially when you consider that you could find a real slot WR that could start someday. This team needs starters not spot players that can't start at any position.

 

[NC STEEL]

Not setting the bar too high. But, last years third round receiver stat line 6 receptions for 64 yards and 0 td's.