The Colts used a second-round pick on a wide receiver for the third time in four years. They agreed to terms with the most recent of those — Cincinnati alum Alec Pierce — on his four-year rookie deal Monday.
Indianapolis took Pierce 53rd overall, after having traded down 11 spots via the Vikings on Day 2 of the draft. Pierce is the Colts' top draft pick this year, with the team having traded its 2022 first rounder to Philadelphia for Carson Wentz, and will be expected to be an early contributor.
Although the Colts roster Michael Pittman Jr., they have not received much from 2019 second-rounder Parris Campbell, who has suffered numerous injuries as a pro. Indianapolis sat out of the veteran receiver market, though they did add ex-Houston slot player Keke Coutee on a reserve/futures deal. This situation, one that does not include T.Y. Hilton presently, would point to the Colts being in the mix for one of the veteran wideouts still remaining. As is, Pierce will not receive much acclimation time.
Pierce went off the board in between wideouts George Pickens (Steelers) and Skyy Moore (Chiefs). A 6-foot-3, 211-pound target, Pierce helped Cincinnati become the first Group of Five program to advance to the College Football Playoff. He caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Although Pierce did not post a 1,000-yard season in college, a knee injury limited him to six games in a 2020 season already shortened by the pandemic.
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