The Indianapolis Colts are hoping starting quarterback Anthony Richardson can stay healthy in Year 2 after missing all but four games as a rookie with a concussion and a season-ending shoulder injury, and they’re hoping he can improve a passing attack that struggled last season and ranked in the bottom half of the league, 20th in passing yards and 24th in passing touchdowns.
Fortunately, the Colts will have their top two wide receivers locked down for next season. Their top receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., signed a three-year contract extension this offseason. Their second top receiver, Josh Downs, has three years remaining on his rookie contract. Both players are guaranteed starters at their respective positions.
Unfortunately, their second-round pick is in danger of losing his starting spot.
The former Indianapolis Colts second-round pick is not a sure thing to start.
The Colts selected Alec Pierce with the 53rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft in hopes that he could become a star and a reliable backup to Pittman Jr. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone according to plan.
Pierce had his best rookie season with 41 receptions, 593 yards, and 2 touchdowns on 78 targets. His averages were 2.6 receptions per game, 7.6 yards per target, 14.5 yards per reception, and 37.1 yards per game. He ended up ranking 3rd on the team in receptions, 3rd in targets, 3rd in yards, 5th in touchdowns, and 3rd in yards per reception.
Pierce’s production regressed slightly in his sophomore season, recording 32 receptions for 514 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets, averaging 1.9 receptions per game, 7.9 yards per target, 16.1 yards per reception and 30.2 yards per game. He ended up third on the team in receptions, targets, yards, touchdowns and yards per reception.
The Colts went into the draft unsure about Pierce being the starter and decided to draft a player who would be a contender.
The Indianapolis Colts drafted a WR in the second round.
The Colts selected Adonai Mitchell with the 52nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mitchell played his first two college seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he recorded 38 receptions, 560 yards and seven touchdowns. He will be joining the Texas Longhorns for the 2023 season, where he had a big season with 55 receptions, 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Both players will be competing for a starting position.
Alec Pearce faces stiff competition
Given Mitchell’s athleticism, explosiveness, competitive nature and the fact that he’s already been a productive player throughout camp, Pierce will face some stiff competition.
Competition is expected to be intense during training camp.
Will Pierce be able to retain his starting spot, or will Mitchell continue to perform well and take the starting spot?
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