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Alec Pierce 2023 NFL Player Outlook: Boom/Bust Receiving Option In An Uncertain Passing Offense
2 years agoIndianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was a surprising second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft but did his best to earn targets in a subpar quarterback situation. Pierce finished his first season with 78 targets, 41 receptions, 593 yards, and two receiving touchdowns. Pierce functioned as a deep threat and led the Colts in receiving average depth of target (11.7) and 40+ yard receptions (three) on the season despite playing with weak-armed quarterbacks. Pierce should grow in his second season, but there are plenty of reasons to hesitate before pushing the draft button on him in redraft leagues. For one, his route tree generally leads to inconsistent receiving totals due to his depth down the field.Additionally, his new quarterback (rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson) has the big arm to utilize Pierce's deep speed but completed just 54% of his collegiate passes. There isn't a clear path to Pierce being the primary receiving option, thanks to Michael Pittman Jr., so he will be relegated to a deep threat again in 2023. That can lead to inconsistent performances throughout the season, making him a player that may function better on best-ball rosters than in leagues where you need to decide weekly starting lineups.
