The Indianapolis Colts didn’t own a first-round pick in the draft, but the selection of Cincinnati wideout Alec Pierce in the second round (No. 53 overall) was universally celebrated by both fans and analysts.
Boasting the physical traits GM Chris Ballard tends to look for in receiver prospects (6-foot-3 frame, 40.5-inch vertical and a 9.82 relative athletic score), Pierce was regularly linked to Indy throughout the pre-draft process.
The fact Indy made the dream pairing a reality just continues what has been an outstanding offseason for the front office.
Unfortunately, though, the honeymoon period will end soon and the former Bearcat will take the field to validate the pick and prove he’s deserving of the starting spot opposite fellow second-rounder Michael Pittman Jr.
In the meantime, Pierce is living on cloud nine, and that experience included meeting Colts legend and new receivers coach Reggie Wayne.
A quick flight to Indy for @alecpierce. @GoBearcatsFB | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/Btc754fr4i
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 3, 2022
New Colts wideout Alec Pierce met Reggie Wayne after he touched down in Indianapolis.
As one of the most decorated WRs in Colts history, we’re still adjusting to hearing Wayne referred to as “coach,” but we digress. The important thing is Wayne is the perfect mentor for Pierce, and both sides are clearly itching to work together.
During their brief exchange, Pierce made mention of his pre-draft meeting with Indianapolis and how that made the Colts his preferred landing spot. It’s unclear how much of say Wayne had in the selection, but you have to think the former six-time Pro Bowler is stoked to add the Cincy product to his receiving room.
With Zach Pascal now in Philly, TY Hilton still braving free agency, Parris Campbell being limited to 15 games in three seasons and Dezmon Patmon and Michael Strachan each having two career catches, Pierce represents a much-needed weapon for Matt Ryan, whom Jim Irsay views as a long-term investment.
Entering his first year as the Colts’ receivers coach, Wayne now inherits a more respectable unit following the selection of Pierce. With Pierce and Pittman being 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-4, respectively, Wayne will have the luxury of mentoring maybe the tallest starting WR tandem in the league.
What makes Wayne the perfect coach for Pierce is that Wayne’s strengths as a player (quick release, versatile route tree, ball-tracking, creating yards after the catch, etc.) represent the biggest deficiencies of Pierce’s game.
It took Wayne a few years into his career to truly breakout and Colts fans will be hoping his coaching impact helps Pierce hit the ground running in Year 1. Fair or not, the Colts can’t afford the rook to endure a long period of growing pains given the lack of depth at the position.
We’ll cross that bridge if and when the time comes, though. With Wayne pulling the receiving strings, it might not even be a concern.
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