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Dri Archer or DeAnthony Thomas - either of these lil guys worth roster (1 Viewer)

Sabertooth

Sabertooth

Footballguy
I have both sitting on my waiver wire in a dynasty league right now. I don't know much about either other than they are tiny lil fellas. Those don't tend to work out well in the NFL. Is there any chance, outside of return leagues (hate those) that either of these guys becomes a valuable fantasy player, even in a reserve role?

Dri Archer is not Chris Rainey

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/08/06/On-the-Steelers-Dri-Archer-is-many-things-but-certainly-not-a-rerun/stories/201408060118

De'Anthony Thomas is Making a Big Statement

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-DeAnthony-Thomas-Making-Big-Statement/4b5b6109-7bb8-4392-9d2e-eb6b46dfcf98

 
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Sabertooth said:
I have both sitting on my waiver wire in a dynasty league right now. I don't know much about either other than they are tiny lil fellas. Those don't tend to work out well in the NFL. Is there any chance, outside of return leagues (hate those) that either of these guys becomes a valuable fantasy player, even in a reserve role?

Dri Archer is not Chris Rainey

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/08/06/On-the-Steelers-Dri-Archer-is-many-things-but-certainly-not-a-rerun/stories/201408060118

De'Anthony Thomas is Making a Big Statement

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-DeAnthony-Thomas-Making-Big-Statement/4b5b6109-7bb8-4392-9d2e-eb6b46dfcf98
Click to expand...
Dri Archer >>>>>>> Tavon Austin >>>>>>>>> De'Anthony Thomas >> Dexter McCluster >>>> Chris Rainey

 
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wdcrob said:
Sabertooth said:
I have both sitting on my waiver wire in a dynasty league right now. I don't know much about either other than they are tiny lil fellas. Those don't tend to work out well in the NFL. Is there any chance, outside of return leagues (hate those) that either of these guys becomes a valuable fantasy player, even in a reserve role?

Dri Archer is not Chris Rainey

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/08/06/On-the-Steelers-Dri-Archer-is-many-things-but-certainly-not-a-rerun/stories/201408060118

De'Anthony Thomas is Making a Big Statement

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-DeAnthony-Thomas-Making-Big-Statement/4b5b6109-7bb8-4392-9d2e-eb6b46dfcf98
Click to expand...
Dri Archer >>>>>>> Tavon Austin >>>>>>>>> De'Anthony Thomas >> Dexter McCluster >>>> Chris Rainey
Click to expand...
That may very well be the case but in a normal PPR league (say standard FBG scoring) is Archer even worth a roster spot? Is he going to run into a reverse Jeremy Hill problem where he's stuck behind another young talent? Is he really a better player than Tavon?

Also he plays running back whereas Tavon is a WR. They maybe similar players but my league distinguish between them. All those other guys are RBs on MFL.

 
It really depends how they develop as passing threats. If they're 60...70...80+ reception backs then they could have value. If no then probably not since I doubt either of these guys are 200+ touch/season players.

I have a lot more faith in Dri than I do DAT even though DAT is arguably in a better situation whereas Dri is working with an OC that's not utilized a threat like him well before.

 
I'm hoping Archer gets something like 8-9 touches a game and puts up 10-11ppg. So a lot of high value touches (ppr) and a solid RB3. I want to say he's got upside from there -- Warrick Dunn for example -- but the size thing is hard to overcome.

I don't believe any of the other guys on your list will pan out in the long run.

 
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In deep leagues, I will be taking a flier on D. Thomas. McCluster put up 53 rec 512 yards 2 TDs on 83 targets in KC. RB38 in my league and missed a game. I would think KC would be looking for similar to better production from D. Thomas after McCluster left for Tenn. They have no real #2 receiving threat.

 
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wdcrob said:
Sabertooth said:
I have both sitting on my waiver wire in a dynasty league right now. I don't know much about either other than they are tiny lil fellas. Those don't tend to work out well in the NFL. Is there any chance, outside of return leagues (hate those) that either of these guys becomes a valuable fantasy player, even in a reserve role?

Dri Archer is not Chris Rainey

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/08/06/On-the-Steelers-Dri-Archer-is-many-things-but-certainly-not-a-rerun/stories/201408060118

De'Anthony Thomas is Making a Big Statement

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-DeAnthony-Thomas-Making-Big-Statement/4b5b6109-7bb8-4392-9d2e-eb6b46dfcf98
Click to expand...
Dri Archer >>>>>>> Tavon Austin >>>>>>>>> De'Anthony Thomas >> Dexter McCluster >>>> Chris Rainey
Click to expand...
Wondering if you would be interested in expounding upon how you see Dri Archer being >>>>>>>>>> Tavon Austin. Is it an opinion that he's a better fantasy player or better actual on the field player? More valuable to the Steelers vs. the value that Austin represents to the Rams? I appreciate your sharing your opinion.

 
Archer does everything Austin does, but is more explosive and I think it'll show up on the field. Obviously that's my own guesswork though -- no way to know for sure and I wouldn't bet a million on it or anything.

 
wdcrob said:
I'm hoping Archer gets something like 8-9 touches a game and puts up

10-11ppg. So a lot of high value touches (ppr) and a solid RB3. I want to say he's got upside from there -- Warrick Dunn for example -- but the size thing is hard to overcome.

I don't believe any of the other guys on your list will pan out in the long run.
Click to expand...
Very lofty number for Dri Archer, averaging double digit FF points is an absolute pipe dream, imo. I have tempered my expectations out of the gate and I would cut those numbers in half. 5-6 PPG, tops.

 
I am speaking in Dynasty terms mainly. I'm not sure either is going to have a ton of value in redraft this year. Maybe a late flyer. Somebody above mentioned that KC has no real second threat at receiver. I agree with that. But I am having a hard time naming who the best receiver in Pittsburgh is behind Brown and Bell. Bryant maybe? But who knows.

Archer ran a 4.26 at the combine which is the second fastest time for a running back ever if I'm not mistaken.. That's absolutely blazing fast. How does his game differ from Brandin Cooks? He's smaller but not that much smaller. He's shorter by 2 inches and 16 pounds. He's also faster and you can roster him as a RB.

Dri Archer combine numbers -

Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 5076
Weight: 173
40 Yrd Dash: 4.26
20 Yrd Dash: 2.34
10 Yrd Dash: 1.47 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 10'02"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.06
3-Cone Drill: 6.86

Brandin Cooks combine numbers -

Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 5096
Weight: 189
40 Yrd Dash: 4.31
20 Yrd Dash: 2.50
10 Yrd Dash: 1.53 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 3.81
3-Cone Drill: 6.76

 
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Sabertooth said:
I am speaking in Dynasty terms mainly. I'm not sure either is going to have a ton of value in redraft this year. Maybe a late flyer. Somebody above mentioned that KC has no real second threat at receiver. I agree with that. But I am having a hard time naming who the best receiver in Pittsburgh is behind Brown and Bell. Bryant maybe? But who knows.

Archer ran a 4.26 at the combine which is the second fastest time for a running back ever if I'm not mistaken.. That's absolutely blazing fast. How does his game differ from Brandin Cooks? He's smaller but not that much smaller. He's shorter by 2 inches and 16 pounds. He's also faster and you can roster him as a RB.

Dri Archer combine numbers -

Combine Invite: Yes

Height: 5076

Weight: 173

40 Yrd Dash: 4.26

20 Yrd Dash: 2.34

10 Yrd Dash: 1.47 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20

Vertical Jump: 38

Broad Jump: 10'02"

20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.06

3-Cone Drill: 6.86

Brandin Cooks combine numbers -

Combine Invite: Yes

Height: 5096

Weight: 189

40 Yrd Dash: 4.31

20 Yrd Dash: 2.50

10 Yrd Dash: 1.53 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16

Vertical Jump: 36

Broad Jump: 10'00"

20 Yrd Shuttle: 3.81

3-Cone Drill: 6.76
Click to expand...
Markus Wheaton is thought to be the next best receiver on the Steelers after AB84. Lance Moore is there as well, but I think Wheaton is listed on the depth chart ahead of him. Heath Miller has shown to be a reliable pass catcher at TE. I am impressed that Archer did 20 reps of 225 at that size.

 
wdcrob said:
Archer does everything Austin does, but is more explosive and I think it'll show up on the field. Obviously that's my own guesswork though -- no way to know for sure and I wouldn't bet a million on it or anything.
Click to expand...
He did not show nearly as much as a receiver in college.

 
I like Archer better than DAT as a talent, but I would only roster him in best-ball or return yardage formats. He has a lot of other talent to fight for touches in a 3 year window, and I think his lack of a clearly defined role leaves his upside too speculative for the time investment.

I think DAT has the better shot at being a PPR contributor in normal leagues given the general lack of talent at the skill positions on that roster, but I'm still not that high on him. It's all Charles in that backfield, and he needs a lot of polish working from the WR position.

 
Tavon is better in fantasy since 80 rec. and 20 carries is better than 100 carries and 50 rec. in PPR.

 
"I am real eager to see what he can do," running back Le'Veon Bell said. "He is one of the most explosive players that I've ever seen. When he gets the ball in his hands, you have to look out for him. You have to know where he is at on the field at all times. If anybody is going to do something special, it might be him."

In fact Archer could get a chance to prove his worth on the very first play of the game; he'll be performing kick return duties for the Steelers.

"I will take notice during the kickoff, and as soon as Dri is in the game, I am going to take notice," cornerback Ike Taylor said. "I am sure I am getting up to get a better look."

Improving the Steelers middle of the road return game was one major reason the Steelers drafted the diminutive running back, and he should have multiple opportunities to prove his worth in that regard, however that won't be his only chance to impress.

The Steelers committed themselves to using Archer in a variety of ways, and thus far have stayed true to their word in training camp. He's been moved all over the field. From the backfield to the slot to the outside receiver, Dri Archer has been causing matchup problems for the defense.

This is something that hasn't been lost on his teammates.

"Dri is going to fit in real good with us," Taylor said. "He is going to be a matchup problem for a lot of teams. He just has it. Dri just has it. Anytime he touches the ball or anytime you know he's getting the ball, you kind of stand up and pay attention."

"I don't think anybody can keep up with him. That's a different kind of speed there," linebacker Lawrence Timmons said. "That's matchup problems right there with (defensive backs) and linebackers. That guy there gets in the open field and he's a problem. Every time he has the ball in his hands, he can go yards."
Click to expand...
 
Nothing but speculation as a Chiefs fan, but I think DeAnthony Thomas will be worth a roster spot. I have to think Andy Reid will make an effort to get him involved on an offense that only have 1 playmaker to speak of. He did take snaps in the backfield with the first team in the preseason game on Thursday, starting the second series at tailback and giving way to Charles after a couple of plays.

I don't know that he'd be any kind of handcuff so to speak (I imagine Knile Davis takes most of the work if Charles misses time) but I think he will have a role in this offense.

 
I've picked up Archer in all my leagues where he was available. Not sure how good he will be but seeing him making plays in the first quarter with Roethlisberger on the field is very encouraging. The small size might work to his advantage in FF terms too because he probably won't be used in ways that require good blocking technique (always the thing that holds back rookie RBs).

 
I think last night is exactly what you're hoping for -- 8-10 touches from scrimmage (four in a half) and one big play or a TD.

Will probably struggle to get enough touches to be a top-25 guy, but in PPR leagues he might do enough to be a RB3. And a long-term RB3 has a ton of value in start 24/28 RB dynasty leagues.

 
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I'm in a 16-team start 2RB and I was hoping to land him in the third. Also helps that we count return yardage, where I think he'll excel. In that league he's a passable RB3 more than likely. Upside for more if he develops in the slot or is used creatively out of the backfield.

 
wdcrob said:
I think last night is exactly what you're hoping for -- 8-10 touches from scrimmage (four in a half) and one big play or a TD.

Will probably struggle to get enough touches to be a top-25 guy, but in PPR leagues he might do enough to be a RB3. And a long-term RB3 has a ton of value in start 24/28 RB dynasty leagues.
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This is my thinking as well. No real high hopes, but I like him as an end of roster stash in RB heavy PPR leagues as a possible RB3 type.

 
Things have certainly been interesting for Archer lately. He's had 40 yard catches in back to back games. And now with Blount and Bell getting popped for weed him might be the next man up. Any thoughts one how these events have impacted his potential fantasy stock?

 
Sabertooth said:
Things have certainly been interesting for Archer lately. He's had 40 yard catches in back to back games. And now with Blount and Bell getting popped for weed him might be the next man up. Any thoughts one how these events have impacted his potential fantasy stock?
Click to expand...
Not much at all. The suspensions for Bell and Blount will be short, if they are this year at all. Archer isn't getting 10+ touches a game out of the backfield whether they are there or not, and he's still going to be a niche weapon in the receiving game.

 
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