Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Mike Archie (Penn St.) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #218 by HOU


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Mike Archie - 1996 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

  • Name: Mike Archie
  • College: Penn State University
  • Position: Running Back

Overview:

Mike Archie was a versatile running back who showcased a combination of speed, agility, and receiving ability during his time at Penn State. Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, Archie was a key contributor to the Nittany Lions' offense.

Strengths:

  • Good balance and agility, allowing him to make quick cuts and evade defenders.
  • Strong hands as a receiver, capable of catching the ball out of the backfield.
  • Solid pass-blocking skills, making him a reliable asset on third downs.
  • Experience in a pro-style offense, which prepared him for the NFL transition.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited breakaway speed, which could hinder his ability to score on long runs.
  • Injury concerns during college could raise red flags for NFL teams.
  • Not the most powerful runner, which may limit effectiveness between the tackles.

Overall Assessment:

Mike Archie was viewed as a solid prospect in the 1996 NFL Draft, particularly as a potential change-of-pace back or third-down specialist. While he may not have been a high-profile talent, his versatility and skills as a receiver made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their backfield depth.

Projected Draft Round: Late Round/Free Agent