Indianapolis Colts Draft Cincinnati WR Alec Pierce At No. 53 Overall

Entering into the 2022 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts’ biggest need by far was adding more immediate help on the outside. With new starting quarterback Matt Ryan in the fold, adding more weapons was a necessity for Indianapolis.

The Colts traded back with the Minnesota Vikings from No. 42 to No. 53 overall before selecting Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Alec Pierce. From a pure production and traits standpoint, which is valued highly within the Colts’ front office, Pierce checks every box with emphasis.

During his final collegiate season, Pierce put up outstanding numbers for the Bearcats with 52 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. And from a traits standpoint, Pierce blew multiple metrics out of the water. At the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, Pierce was one of the biggest winners thanks to his elite testing, which included a 4.41 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump. In totality, it marked the Bearcats wideout with an incredible Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.82.

All along, Indianapolis honed in on Pierce because of how smooth his fit in Indianapolis would soon be. Slotting in on the opposite side of Michael Pittman Jr., Pierce projects as a Day 1 starter for the Colts as their Z receiver. Thanks to his unique blend of sizer and game-breaking speed, Pierce will be an immediate asset to their perimeter weaponry for Ryan to play around with.

Exiting the draft, Indianapolis has solved it’s biggest need with one of the safer prospects at the position. Pierce’s profile does feature a little bit of projection, but it’s fair to see the floor is still extremely high for this prospect.

Colts GM Chris Ballard mentioned in his post-draft press conference on Friday night that Pierce will slot into the role vacated by Zach Pascal, who signed a 1-year deal in free agency with the Philadelphia Eagles. Pascal was an excellent run blocker who saw plenty of snaps, and Pierce is a massive upgrade in that area as an all-around wide receiver.

Projecting forward, here’s what the Colts’ depth chart looks like at wideout entering into another critical season where a jump needs to be made towards real postseason contention: Pittman Jr., Pierce, Parris Campbell, Ashton Dulin, Dezmon Patmon, Michael Strachan. And don’t rule out the Colts re-signing veteran T.Y. Hilton, who Indianapolis continues to stay in touch with throughout the offseason. If that occurs, Indianapolis’ biggest weakness now arguably feels like a safe space.

The Colts fell in love with Pierce during the pre-draft process, and Ballard mentioned how one game really brought him on their radar. When Pierce torched the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for 144 receiving yards, Ballard said it blew him away with how easily he could separate down the field.

Another intriguing note from Ballard on Friday consisted of Pierce’s immediate role upon his arrival. The Colts believe Pierce has the versatility to play inside and out, which brings immediate snaps to the table. As far as best-case landing spots for Pierce to maximize his talented skillset, Indianapolis is certainly it. With a win-now quarterback who helps elevate weapons like Ryan, plus learning from a former Colts legend in new position coach Reggie Wayne, Pierce is set up to thrive and have an accelerated learning curve.

Entering into his rookie season in Indianapolis, Pierce’s strengths fit perfectly into what the Colts were missing. If Pierce hits his ceiling alongside Pittman Jr., the Colts will have a lethal wide receiver combination on the outside for years to come.