Sparked by consistency, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce put together what general manager Chris Ballard would call his best training camp to date and was one of the better overall performers on this team.
“I think Alec has just had his best camp–arguably as good as anybody out there,” said Ballard last Wednesday. “Consistent–shows he can play inside and out.”
With the addition of AD Mitchell in the second round of this year’s draft, Pierce faced some uncertainty when it came to playing time and his role on this team, with the X receiver position opposite of Michael Pittman up for grabs this summer.
During his first two season with the team, Pierce was frequently utilized as a vertical presence. In 2023, he had the seventh-highest average depth of target among all receivers, with nearly 30 percent of his total targets coming 20-plus yards downfield, which ranked as the 14th-most.
Pierce would end up catching only 32 of his 63 targets for 514 yards and two scores. While, naturally, a receiver’s completion percentage will be lower on downfield attempts, the Colts needed more consistency at a position in Shane Steichen’s offense that plays an important role.
In addition to needing to be more consistent, Pierce also wanted to showcase this summer that he could be more than just a vertical presence. He wanted to prove that he could make an impact at all levels of the field–which Ballard acknowledged he was able to do.
“He was – I mean he always brings it to practice every single day,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “He is as consistent as they come. His work ethic, his work habits, his pre-practice habits, just the way he prepares himself to have a shot at having some success during that practice when those opportunities go up.”
We will see what the Colts’ Week 1 depth chart will look like, and whether it is Pierce or Mitchell who is starting, but from the sounds of it, Pierce provided the more steady presence throughout training camp.
Given Pierce’s experience in the NFL and in Steichen’s offense, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Also, the term “starter” when discussing Pierce and Mitchell probably doesn’t carry as much weight as it might at other positions. Both players are going to have roles this season and both will be expected to make an impact in their own ways.
“AD is kind of what we thought he was,” added Ballard. “I mean, he’s a very talented, young player. He’s still learning, but they’re both going to have really good years and help us.”
With the emergence of Pierce and the addition of Mitchell, along with Josh Downs seemingly poised for a Year 2 jump and Michael Pittman an always consistent presence, the Colts like what they have at the receiver position heading into the 2024 season, which will help take some of the playmaking burden off of Anthony Richardson’s plate.
“That’s a really good room,” Ballard said. “That’s a good group. Reggie’s (Wayne) done tremendous, tremendous work.”
