When Alec Pierce was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bearcat was seen as the perfect option to help stretch the field. Outside of Michael Pittman Jr. serving as the big body possession receiver, the Indianapolis Colts were in desperate need of help at wide receiver. Adding a deep threat to compliment Pittman was ideal. While Pierce is still serving in that capacity, the numbers haven’t been what he or the Colts envisioned as the third year man has struggled to find consistency as a receiving threat. How much sand is still left in the hourglass for Pierce to put it all together?
The majority of receivers don’t come into the league and take it by storm. It is normally a slow build up. Of course, all rookies have to learn a new playbook and terminology. The same went for Pierce and can partially explain the difficult transition to the NFL. The problem is the numbers aren’t showing signs of growth. From 2022 to 2023 the touchdowns stayed stagnant and the catch percentage and total yards fell, even playing an extra game in 2023. In eight games last year, Pierce had one or fewer catches. That is half the season. Granted the targets weren’t overwhelming in those games, but what does that say about his ability to get separation and prove himself as a reliable option? That type of production from your “number 2” isn’t going to cut it.
To provide Pierce with a little bit of credit, it wasn’t like he was never open. As the long bomb man, you have to have someone who can get you the ball to you. Matt Ryan’s arm was shot and Gardner Minshew just couldn’t get it there consistently. The good news is that won’t be a problem for Anthony Richardson who can seemingly flick the ball fifty yards. That could easily serve as the key to unlocking his potential. While Pierce’s problem won’t be the arm strength of his quarterback, the Colts just drafted a new problem: Adonai Mitchell. Couple his potential emergence with the continued growth from Josh Downs, and it could spell trouble. If Pierce isn’t able to get open enough or watches those around him become the preferred options, he will watch his targets go from slim pickings to non-existent.
Alec Pierce must make an impact this year if he wants to continue as a member of the Colts and stay in the league in general. With that said, I have not totally written him off yet. He still has time, and I believe he has some true ability. Pairing him with a quarterback in Richardson who will compliment his strengths could be just what the doctor ordered. This is the year we have to see Pierce take that next step. Increase the catches and serve as the dude who can open the field up. Do that and he might just have a place with this franchise going forward.
