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Steelers add speedy, versatile Dri Archer

Kent State Golden Flashes v Ohio Bobcats 11-19-2013

ATHENS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19, 2013: Running back Dri Archer #1 of the Kent State Golden Flashes runs the football during a game against the Ohio Bobcats at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. The Golden Flashes won 44-13. (Photo by David Dermer/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Steelers need some weapons on offense. They added one in the third round on Friday night.

Speedy, diminutive tailback Dri Archer has arrived as the 33rd pick in round three and 97th overall. The former Kent State standout ran a blazing 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, threatening Chris Johnson’s all-time Indianapolis record of 4.24 seconds.

Archer covered the 40 yards with a record-low 18 steps (tying Calvin Johnson). One scout hand-timed Archer’s Combine run at 4.18 seconds.

Archer can contribute in the return game, as a slot receiver, and as a third-down running back.

DraftNasty.com, run by former NFL safety Corey Chavous, sees Archer as “even more naturally explosive and elusive than . . . Tavon Austin.”

If Archer is merely as explosive and elusive as Austin, the Steelers have found a guy who can help the team gain yards and score points.