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Don’t act surprised if Alec Pierce emerges as a legitimate wide receiver threat for the Indianapolis Colts.

Many fans and pundits thought Colts GM Chris Ballard would select a prospect such as the Georgia Bulldogs’ George Pickens or the Purdue Boilermakers’ David Bell with the 42nd overall pick.

Ballard shocked everyone when he traded down with the Minnesota Vikings to slide down to 53rd overall.

That’s where Ballard plucked the unheralded Pierce from the draft pool.

Colts fans everywhere are hoping Pierce is another draft gem Ballard has unearthed.

T.Y. Hilton, the four-time Pro Bowl wideout the Colts selected 92nd overall in 2012, is a prime example of an unknown prospect exceeding everybody’s expectations.

Alec Pierce will also prove he belongs in the National Football League.

Alec Pierce Has Good Size And Athleticism For A Wide Receiver 

Pierce stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 211 pounds – that’s good size paired with the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Michael Pittman, Jr. at the other wideout spot.

Pierce’s breakout senior campaign in 2021 made a great impression on Ballard and co.

He had a combined five touchdown catches in his sophomore and junior seasons in Cincinnati.

He had eight alone in his senior campaign as a Bearcat.

Pierce’s nationally-televised six-catch, 144-yard performance against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last season was his coming-out party.

It was one of his three 100-yard performances in 2021.

Pierce also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds and recorded a 40.5-inch vertical leap at the combine.

This man has athleticism written all over him.

If Pierce can polish his route-running skills, he could put the NFL’s best defensive backs to shame.

It’s not a far-fetched possibility considering the legendary Reggie Wayne is his wide receivers coach with the Colts.

He Can Start Right Away For The Colts 

Hilton is currently a free agent.

He’s already 32 years old and has been dealing with nagging injuries the past several years.

We could have seen the last of this Houston Texans killer wearing the Horseshoe.

For his part, Parris Campbell has never stayed healthy the past three seasons.

Don’t expect him to start opposite Pittman when the 2022 NFL campaign kicks off – he’s more suited to the No. 3 wide receiver position.

On that note, expect Pierce to get the starting nod at wide receiver in his rookie season.

The Alec Pierce-Michael Pittman, Jr. wideout tandem is an intriguing one – they bring plenty of athleticism and youth to the table.

They will become reliable weapons for new Colts quarterback Matt Ryan in the next few years.

Pierce Was A Great Selection For The Horseshoe 

Pierce was the potential game-changer the Colts desperately needed at wide receiver.

Pierce has the athleticism and intangibles to succeed in the NFL.

With Pierce on board, the Colts will give the Tennessee Titans stiff competition in the AFC South.

Indianapolis is a year or two away from Super Bowl contention.

Nevertheless, the Colts will make a deep postseason run with Pierce wreaking havoc on opposing secondaries.

That trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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