A dark-horse candidate for the Colts first pick
The Indianapolis Colts may use the 42nd-overall pick to draft a receiver that many don’t expect to go early in the second round.
Recently in the Draft process, the Indianapolis Colts took a ride to the University of Cincinnati to workout their draft-eligible prospects.
Much of the reporting was about the Colts during their due diligence on Desmond Ridder since Indy has a need for a long-term quarterback. However, Indianapolis also got a good look at the Bearcats’ receivers.
That means, Indy got to closely evaluate Alec Pierce, Ridder’s go-to receiver. As the Draft nears, Pierce is climbing up big boards and could go as early as the second round.
Tony Pauline, from Pro Football Network, reported that Pierce is a much more regarded prospect than most initially assumed and that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go in the second round.
As for what teams may select him, Pauline named the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and the Indianapolis Colts.
Alec Pierce would be a strong fit for #Colts on Day 2 of the draft. Freaky athlete who could become a complete receiver. pic.twitter.com/206dXXemv7
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 31, 2022
Could the Colts draft Alec Pierce at No. 42?
Pierce is a 6-foot-3 receiver that weighs 211 pounds and runs a 4.41 40-yard dash. He also has a 40.5-inch vertical and it shows up frequently on his tape.
He’s a big-body receiver that knows how to use his size and athleticism to be a jump-ball specialist. His Cincinnati highlights are filled with plays of him going up over defenders and snagging the ball with strong hands.
In his senior season, he caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. Pierce has a college career average of 17.5 yards a catch.
Earlier in the evaluation process, Pierce was considered a third-round projection at the highest. However, teams have started to fall in love with his athleticism and him as a prospect and he may be able to squeeze into the second round in this deep receiver class.
The second round is where the Colts have their first selection. Many expect Indy to select a receiver but Pierce wasn’t initially one of the most-floated names.
However, with his rising stock, he may be the wideout that ends up in Indianapolis. Pierce would provide the Colts with another big receiving threat opposite Michael Pittman Jr. and would hopefully open up the passing offense.
Indianapolis needs another receiver to get the most out of Matt Ryan and the offense and Ryan would certainly love to have a couple of receivers that will go up and get anything he throws.
