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The Bengals re-signed Bradon Tate last week in order to keep the team's best return-man in the fold, but that doesn't mean they won't look to bring another guy in to challenge him for his job. Cincinnati has already scouted De'Anthony Thomas and Brandin Cooks, two of college football's best returners over the past three seasons.
It's becoming evident that the Bengals want to snag a return-man at some point in the draft. With Tate on just a one-year deal, they need to get someone who can at least step into his role next year if he's not re-signed.
Now, Bengals scouts are at Kent State's pro day and likely scouting one of the most electrifying prospects in this year's draft class in Dri Archer.
The 5-foot-8, 173-pound ball of fire set a KSU single-season record with 23 touchdowns and was named Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Year and first-team All-MAC as a running back and kick returner in 2012. Slowed by an injured ankle as a senior, Archer scored 11 touchdowns and was named third-team All-MAC as a receiver and a kick returner.
Archer could play either running back or receiver in the NFL, though he was grouped with the backs for the NFL Scouting Combine. There, his 38-inch vertical jump tied for fourth at the position. He also bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times and posted a 122-inch broad jump.
Matt Waldman of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio has the best article on Archer you'll find, and he believes the Golden Flasher could flash greatness in the NFL. But that report was made before the 2013 season after Archer exploded onto the scene in 2012. Injuries and his team struggling to win in 2013 caused his stock to drop and now he could probably be had on Day 3 of the draft.