After a long wait, Colts draft a big-play receiver in Alec Pierce
The Indianapolis Colts have made their first selection of the 2022 NFL Draft by selecting wide receiver Alec Pierce in the second round.
All offseason, fans have waited for the Indianapolis Colts to add a wide receiver. After sitting back in free agency, everyone thought that wait would end early Friday evening.
However, the Colts had other plans. Instead of selecting No. 42 overall, Indy traded the 42nd pick and the 122nd pick to the Minnesota Vikings for the 53rd, 77th, and 192nd overall picks.
Everything worked out for Indy, though, as the team was able to get its receiver at No. 53 by drafting Alec Pierce from the University of Cincinnati.
Colts draft Alec Pierce at No. 53
Pierce played four seasons at Cincinnati and emerged as the go-to receiver for Desmond Ridder. Throughout the pre-draft process, Pierce was a late-riser, gaining steam as the Draft approached.
At 6-foot-3, 211 pounds, Pierce ran a 4.41 40-yard dash. He also has a 40.5-inch vertical and it’s a measurement that translates directly to the field.
If Pierce can bring his game to the NFL level, the Colts will be getting a big-play receiver that knows how to go up and get the ball.
By doing that in college, he caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior. His college career average of yards a catch was 17.5.
That’s the type of explosiveness this Indianapolis offense needs. The run game is beyond solid but the passing game was being left behind.
Now, Matt Ryan not only has Michael Pittman Jr. who can go up and catch anything, but he will have Alec Pierce as well. With the promise that Frank Reich believes the rest of the receivers have, Indy could be seeing an improved passing game.
The Colts also may not be done adding rookie receivers. With so many picks left, don’t be surprised if Indy double dips.
