Alec Pierce | Cincinnati | 6’3” 211 lbs. | 05/02/2000 (Age 21)
Alec Pierce was drafted 53rd overall by the Indianapolis Colts, becoming the 12th wide receiver and 53rd overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2018 (FR) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2019 (SO) | 12 | 37 | 652 | 17.6 | 2 |
| 2020 (JR) | 6 | 17 | 315 | 18.5 | 3 |
| 2021 (SR) | 14 | 52 | 884 | 17.0 | 8 |
After serving as a special teams player during the 2018 season, Pierce was given an opportunity with the Bearcats on offense in 2019. He started 12 of the 13 games and led the team with 652 receiving yards. Pierce led Cincinnati with 18.5 yards per reception the next season but was limited to just six games with a shoulder injury. In his final season, he bounced back in a big way, as Pierce was named a first-team Academic All-American. In 14 games played, he hauled in 52 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
STRENGTHS
Big frame and plays both fast and strong. Traits to become a solid goal-line threat. Able to stretch the field with his downfield speed. He often wins the 50/50 balls, as he displays exceptional leaping abilities. Strong hands and able to high-point the football over defenders. Has experience as a special teamer. Willing blocker with the tools and effort to serve him well at the pro level.
WEAKNESSES
Doesn’t thrive against press coverage. Below-average when creating separation from defenders, as he often gives away his route breaks before making a move. He has route limitations, and he doesn’t release off the line of scrimmage as quickly as he should. Also not a great playmaker with the ball in his hands.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Pierce measured in at 6’3” and 211 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 26.4. He ran a solid 4.41 40-yard dash (90th percentile), equating to a 113.0-speed score (95th percentile). Pierce also displayed a 133.4 burst score (94th percentile), an agility score of 11.33 (39th percentile), and a college dominator of 25.2 percent (36th).
Pierce possesses elite speed for his size, and his catch radius of 10.36 (96th percentile) is more than ideal at the wide receiver position. On top of that, he also showcases elite leaping abilities, as he posted the top vertical jump amongst all wide receivers (40.5”). His testing and measurements don’t show any red flags, but creating separation remains his biggest weakness.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Fair
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Pierce was selected with the 53rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Matt Ryan gets another weapon next to Michael Pittman Jr. in his first season as a Colt. Pierce brings the speed, which should compliment Pittman Jr.’s game very well.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Pierce has a chance at serving as his team’s WR2 right away. He’ll likely compete for that spot with injury-riddled Parris Campbell and Ashton Dulin. He brings immediate fantasy upside with his opportunity to see the field right away. In this draft, Pierce is a top-20 receiver, and he may be worth a third-round pick in your rookie drafts. As far as dynasty start-ups, he’s worth looking at in the middle rounds, but don’t underestimate his terrific situation in Indianapolis.
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