Colts add Pierce

The Colts selected Cincinnati WR Alec Pierce with the 53rd overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Pierce never reached 900 receiving yards across 4 college seasons, topping out with a 52-884-8 line this past year. But he left school with a big 17.5 yards-per-catch average and pops as a big-play threat on tape. Pierce is a contested-catch dominator (he played basketball and volleyball in high school) and a natural ball tracker. His 99.3 deep receiving grade from Pro Football Focus last year ranked 27th among 275 qualifiers. The 6’3, 211-pounder registered a 4.41-second 40 time and a big 40.5-inch vertical at the Combine to earn a 98th percentile Relative Athletic Score. We see shades of Marvin Jones in his game. Pierce lands in a nice spot, with a clear path to the #2 WR job behind Michael Pittman.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (ankle) is active for today’s game vs. the Patriots. He was a full-go in Friday’s practice and should be ready for his usual role today. Pierce could pick up a little extra volume with WR Josh Downs banged up but is really only an option in one-game DFS contests.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (shoulder) is active for today’s game vs. the Browns. He’s averaging just 3.7 targets, 1.8 catches, and 25 yards per game so far this season.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (shoulder) is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game vs. the Browns. He got in a full practice on Friday, so he should play. But Pierce is not a viable fantasy play against Cleveland’s top-ranked WR defense.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday. Although a full-time player, Pierce has totaled just 11 catches on 22 targets through six games, so his absence vs. the Browns this weekend wouldn't have a major fantasy impact.

We knew WR Alec Pierce brought downfield speed when the Colts drafted him in Round 2 last April. His 12.2-yard average depth of target led the team in his rookie campaign. Pierce's 16.8-yard college aDOT says that number could rise even higher. And new QB Anthony Richardson specialized in deep passing as a collegian. According to Pro Football Focus, Richardson ranked 25th among 148 qualifying FBS QBs last year in total deep attempts (20+ yards downfield), 20th in deep-passing grade and 16th in deep-passing yards. We'll see about the pass-run split between the strong-running rookie QB and the new coaching staff. But Pierce is a low-risk option in best ball drafts at his later-round ADP. Read more about him and see where he sits in our 2023 fantasy football rankings.