Archer Selected by Steelers in Third Round
5/9/2014 11:36:00 PM | Football
Video fom Radio City Music Hall
Kent State's Dri Archer was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the NFL Draft Friday night. The 97th pick overall, Archer caught the attention of pro football fans everywhere in February with a 40-yard dash time of 4.26 seconds at the NFL Combine, the second fastest recording in the history of the event.
Rated the No. 4 running back on Mel Kiper's (ESPN) positional rankings, Archer was also recognized as one of the top kick returners in the draft. He also gives the Steelers a potential punt returner and slot receiver.
Eleven Kent State alums were on NFL rosters in 2013 and Archer becomes the fifth Golden Flash to be drafted in the first three rounds since 1997. Last season, the New York Jets drafted offensive lineman Brian Winters in the third round.
Archer also impressed NFL scouts at the combine putting up the 225-pound bench press 20 times and recording a 38-inch vertical jump.
In 2012, Archer set Kent State's single-season record for touchdowns with 23 (16 rushing, 4 receiving, 3 kick returns). His 9.0 yards per carry and 36.9 yards per kick return both led the nation. He was a consensus All-American and was named MAC Special Teams Player of the Year. Archer also holds the unique distinction of being named to the all-conference team as a running back, kick returner and wide receiver.
Hampered by an injury for a portion of the 2013 season, Archer still managed to average 7.8 yards per carry and lead the Golden Flashes with 11 touchdowns. He also developed his skills as a wide receiver, making 25 catches for 327 yards.
Flashes Drafted Since 1997
| Year | Player | Team | Round | Overall |
| 1997 | O.J. Santiago (TE) | Falcons | 3rd | 70th |
| 1998 | Bob Hallen (OL) | Falcons | 2nd | 53rd |
| 1999 | Eugene Baker (WR) | Falcons | 5th | 164th |
| 2000 | Jason Gavadza (TE) | Steelers | 6th | 204th |
| 2007 | Usama Young (DB) | Saints | 3rd | 66th |
| 2008 | Jack Williams (DB) | Broncos | 4th | 119th |
| 2009 | Julian Edelman (QB/WR) | Patriots | 7th | 223nd |
| 2010 | Jameson Konz (WR/TE) | Seahawks | 7th | 245th |
| 2013 | Brian Winters (OL) | Jets | 3rd | 72nd |
| 2014 | Dri Archer (RB/WR) | Steelers | 3rd | 97th |
