Does Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Dri Archer Belong in the NFL?

With Le’Veon Bell facing a possible suspension from the NFL and free agency days away from beginning the Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of questions to be answered about the running back position. One of those questions is about Dri Archer, who only had 17 touches combining for a grand total of 63 yards during his rookie year. After being selected in the third round in last May’s draft, questions immediately arose about his small and slim stature. One season into his career, Archer did little to calm the nerves of people who think he is too small to succeed in the NFL. As the Steelers are embarking into the offseason, should they ask themselves if Dri Archer even has the capability of producing in the NFL and should they decide to already move on from the 23-year old?

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Yesterday on Steelers.com, Bob Labriola took a look at the running back position. The first player he talked about was Dri Archer.

"“What had begun with such promise ended in disappointment, with all of the hopes that Archer could contribute to the offense and special teams with his dynamic speed never being realized. Not even close. Forget the statistics, and the playing time, and everything else. First things first – Archer has to show he belongs in the NFL. Maybe he is too small. Maybe this occupation just isn’t for him. This is what must be figured out this offseason, and it will start with him.” – Labriola on Archer’s future"

ESPN’s Scott Brown was also asked about Dri Archer during his weekly Twitter mailbag session.

"“I’m not sure Dri Archer will ever develop into the kind of back that sounds an awful lot like Le’Veon Bell. That is not to say he can’t become a contributor after barely playing as a rookie. Part of that is on the Steelers as far as finding a way to best utilize Archer and his word-class speed. The Kansas City Chiefs provided a template when they visited Heinz Field last December. They got rookie speedster DeAnthony Thomas the ball in space — he caught six passes for 47 yards — and he also returned both kickoffs and punts. That is the type of role I see Archer playing if he proves to the Steelers he can handle it. That starts with Archer restoring the faith the Steelers had in him as a kickoff returner when they used a third-round draft pick on him last May.” – Brown on Archer"

The facts are the facts, Dri Archer did not perform well enough in his rookie year. He was terrible actually. Who knows if he will ever be better than what he was last season. Sure the Steelers could attempt to utilize him more and attempt to use his speed, but if he gets tackled on first contact all the time whatever Todd Haley draws up for him likely won’t work.

If Bell does get suspended for two games to start the year the Steelers will need to find somebody to carry the load. Ben Tate might not be back. Josh Harris wasn’t too impressive when he was given a chance at the end of last season. Running back is expected to be a priority in the draft and free agency. Mississippi State’s Josh Robinson has been rumored as a potential draft choice in the later rounds. Interesting free agent options could be Roy Helu or Jacquizz Rodgers. Let’s assume the Steelers get one of those guys, where would Dri Archer even fit in then?

It might sound harsh but should the Steelers already give up on Archer? I doubt they will because he is so young and you can’t teach speed, but if Archer doesn’t improve are the Steelers really going to sit through another 16 game season with him taking up a roster spot? Depending on the moves the Steelers make in the upcoming months, it could be already be time to let Archer go if they can find better options to back up Le’Veon Bell.

What do you think Steelers Nation? Should the Steelers already cut ties with Dri Archer or does deserve another year to prove himself?

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