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RB/Slot WR
Dri Archer, RB/WR/KR, Kent State, Senior:
Measurables: 5' 7.3", 173 pounds, 31" arm length, 8 7/8" hands.
Bench: 20 reps
40 time: 4.26 official time
Jumps: 38" vert, 10'2" broad
Background: Played multiple positions in college: He lined up at RB, WR, and was a dynamic kick returner for Kent State. He played as a backup in 2009 to 2010 and didn't start until 2012 where he exploded on the scene for 1,429 yards rushing on 159 attempts for 16 TDs and 561 receiving yards on 39 catches for 4 TDs. He missed time in 2013 due to a bad ankle injury that he suffered in his first game of the season.
Positives: In one word: Dynamite. Archer is the most explosive player in this draft and it shows on the field. When he is given a lane to run through, expect him to get through the hole and into the secondary faster than any player currently in the NFL. He uses his pure speed and explosion to get open when lining up in the slot and has good hands and ball skills to bring the ball in. He is a phenomenal kick returner and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball; his straight-line speed is second to none and he has the ability to just eliminate angles. Contrary to what people might think, he is a very tough runner who isn't afraid to mix it up and lower his pads into a defender. He plays with a very high motor and doesn't give up on plays. Instinctively, he shows the patience to wait for his blocking to develop and the ability to shoot through the hole once a lane opens up. He showed the ability to play the slot position as Kent State used him there more often as his career progressed.
Negatives: He is small and has a thin lower body, he goes down too easily on first contact even if it's just an arm tackle; if the blocking isn't there, don't expect Archer to be able to create plays by himself like power runners such as Lynch and AP can. He can be easily tripped by opposing players and doesn't get very many yards after contact. For a player of his stature, he runs too high most of the time which negates any power he might have; it also affects his balance on some cuts and prevents him from translating his explosive power laterally. He runs like a track guy, elite straight-line speed but just average cutting power and ability. Sometimes, like Barry Sanders, he tries too hard to make a big play and ends up losing yards instead.
Overview: For Archer to succeed in the NFL, he will have to do it in the slot position and as a kick returner. He'll have to make the switch like McCluster did and dedicate himself to becoming a good WR. I believe that his perfect fit would actually be with us, the Kansas City Chiefs, because Reid's offensive scheme really takes advantage of getting players open in space instead of always trying to force guys to win their 1 on 1 match-ups. Archer could provide us with the game breaking plays that only Charles is currently able to produce on a regular basis. I would have no problem with drafting Archer as soon as the 4th round as long as Reid has a plan for him.
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