3 Colts who will need to step up if Jonathan Taylor is traded

2. Wide receiver Alec Pierce must step up for Colts

The Colts' 2022 second round selection out of Cincinnati is in prime position to take a leap entering year two. Alec Pierce has been impressing throughout training camp practices this summer, but has struggled in preseason games.

Pierce has had big drops against the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles this preseason. Most notably, in the first preseason game in Buffalo, Pierce dropped what would have been a 40-yard touchdown throw from Anthony Richardson in his debut.

Starting in 12 of 17 games, Pierce caught 41 balls for 593 yards. Pierce's rookie year numbers are better than Michael Pittman Jr's rookie numbers from 2020, which could mean Colts coaches expect him to take a similar second-year leap.

Alec Pierce provided a spark to the Colts offense in big moments last year. His highlight play of the year was a game-winning touchdown catch against the Jaguars with only seconds left on the clock.

Pierce will need to show his deep threat ability again this season, especially having a young quarterback with incredible arm strength. If Jonathan Taylor isn’t in the backfield, Pierce’s emergence could certainly help Indy’s offense stay afloat.