Quote:
Originally Posted by OldSchool
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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This is where I draw the line on the analysis. While he certainly is a hybrid slot/rb type, definitely going to be a returner, I don't think he'd fit all that well into our system here in KC. While his size will draw comparisons to McCluster, I don't find the two comparable in the way that they run.
From the limited highlight reels I've watched, especially highlighted in the ones you posted, he doesn't attack defenders with his pad level. He seems to avoid contact if given the opportunity, and his vision between the tackles leaves a lot to be desires. In the open field, he looks pretty good, though he seems to have a serious problem with his stability, despite being exceptionally gifted with agility and jump cuts. I don't believe he's got a quick enough first step to really cut it against against man/pressman coverage in the slot, and seriously lacks the physicality to engage and get open when in man/pressman.
I know a lot of people hate McCluster on this forum because we reached on him and he hasn't put up JC's numbers when asked to, but he plays with all heart, attacks defenders and fights for every single inch he can possibly scrape up (the countless highlights of him diving and rolling for extra yards underneath guys shins), and he's not afraid to get across the middle.
At the next level, I don't don't see Archer transitioning well into a pure slot receiver type. I believe that his best usage is going to come as a 3rd down back type, catching balls out of the backfield in open space where he can really make some moves and use his elusiveness to get the extra yardage to convert those 3rd and mid/long types.