PFF lists Colts’ WR Alec Pierce as crew’s ‘finest commerce asset’ forward of 2025 NFL Draft

In line with PFF, —who as a former 2022 second spherical choose, is coming into a contract season:

Indianapolis Colts: WR Alec Pierce

Ordinarily, this might determine to be Anthony Richardson, who has underwhelmed and hardly performed throughout his two professional seasons. However with the Colts publicly committing to a quarterback battle via at the least July, Richardson most likely received’t be traded but. As a substitute, one of many crew’s receivers may go.

The Colts have 4 legitimately viable wideouts in Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Pierce and A.D. Mitchell. Pierce can be the one one in a contract yr, and his dynamic deep receiving ability (99.1 PFF receiving grade) would resonate with most groups. Indianapolis may hold all 4 in a pivotal yr for its quarterback room, however Pierce could be one of the best guess to be traded.

Regardless of the Colts struggles at beginning quarterback, Pierce had a breakout 2024 season, main Indy’s receivers with 824 receiving yards and seven landing receptions to go together with 37 receptions throughout 16 video games (13 begins). His 22.3 yards per reception common led all league receivers final season, showcasing his explosive play capability downfield.

Actually, when first studying this text, I used to be anticipating to see Colts’ perennial NFL All-Professional Quenton Nelson, who presumably nonetheless holds lots of worth league-wide proper now.

Pierce’s title being talked about is attention-grabbing—and though not untouchable, I might be very stunned if the Colts have any true intentions to maneuver him proper now—as for one, he pairs very properly with incumbent starter Anthony Richardson’s large arm, distinctive downfield passing contact, and their budding deep passing sport connection.

Whereas not a whole vast receiver by any means in his route-running, Pierce has one particular skill-set proper now—along with his capability to separate vertically, and does it very properly.

Two, till 2nd-year wideout AD Mitchell takes a step ahead and pushes Pierce out because the beginning WR2, the Colts don’t actually have the posh of transferring on from Pierce proper now. Regardless that Mitchell is little question proficient, he struggled linking up with Richardson final yr and must mature a bit—exhibiting improved focus and consistency all collectively.

Pierce is an attention-grabbing title, however it’s extra more likely to me that somebody like former Colts’ 2022 third spherical choose Jelani Woods at tight finish could be moved in a commerce than him forward of the NFL Draft—or maybe even one in every of Indy’s defensive ends like Kwity Paye or Samson Ebukam, each of whom are additionally coming into contract years for Indianapolis.