Who Is Alec Pierce?
by Samantha Previte, fantasy football analyst for Action
Alec Pierce was the 12th receiver off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft. Pierce’s name and college production are not as flashy as other wideouts drafted before him, but the big-bodied receiver offers fantasy intrigue with an intimidating build and favorable landing spot on the Colts.
Pierce’s physical and athletic traits are what turned heads during his collegiate career and the scouting process. The 22-year-old stands at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, profiling as a large outside receiver and red-zone threat.
At the combine, Pierce ran a 4.41-second 40-yard-dash and recorded a 40.5-inch vertical jump. He displayed versatility during his time for the Bearcats and lined up outside and inside the slot.
Pierce has drawn criticism for his lack of college production, which was in part a reflection on his scheme fit. He recorded 106 catches for 1,851 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons with Cincinnati. Additionally, in spite of the versatility he displayed in college, Pierce could use refinement in route-running.
George Pickens Fantasy Football Outlook
by Samantha Previte, fantasy football analyst for Action
Landing Spot Grade: B+
It was the Jonathan Taylor Show in Indianapolis last season, as the Colts deployed one of the run-heaviest offenses in the NFL (47.4 rushing play percentage). That decision was likely driven in part by the team’s lack of weapons and Carson Wentz.
The 2017 Pro Bowler completed 62.4% of his passes for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 17 starts. Wentz averaged just shy of 210 passing yards per game, which ranked 27th among 40 quarterbacks who started at least five games last season. The Colts made a significant upgrade at quarterback this offseason, trading for former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.
In 14 seasons as Atlanta’s starting QB, Ryan averaged 4,267 passing yards per season, but is coming off his worst season since 2010 (due in part to the loss of Calvin Ridley for the year). Even at the ripe age of 36 (soon to be 37), Ryan offers much more upside for the Colts' pass-catchers.
I expect Indianapolis’ passing percentage to increase while Taylor remains the focal point of this offense.
Pierce’s main competition for targets will be 2020 second-round pick, Michael Pittman Jr. The 24-year-old was far-and-away their best receiver last season, tallying 88 catches on 129 targets for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns.
Next on that depth chart was Zach Pascal and T.Y. Hilton, who combined for 715 receiving yards and are not returning this year. Parris Campbell, who has struggled with durability issues throughout his career, is currently listed as the Colts’ third receiver. Campbell recorded 10 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown last year.
Barring another offseason addition, Pierce appears to be the incumbent No. 2 option in this offense behind Pittman — an enviable position with Ryan at the helm.
2022 Fantasy Potential: Eventual WR3/4 Potential
Pierce could be worth adding as a late-round flier, but will probably go undrafted in many redraft leagues. Pierce is a name to keep an eye on as the season progresses due to lack of competition, though. He could make a nice bench stash or waiver add, but is unlikely to be a fantasy starter right out of the gate.
He carries more value in dynasty formats as of writing.
