The Indianapolis Colts hope their starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson, can stay healthy in his second year after he missed all but four games with a concussion and a season-ending shoulder injury as a rookie. They also hope he can fix their passing offense, which struggled and ranked in the bottom half last season, ranking 20th in passing yards and 24th in passing touchdowns.
Fortunately, the Colts will have their top two wide receivers back for another season. Their leading receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., signed a 3-year extension this offseason. Their second-leading receiver, Josh Downs, has three years left of his rookie contract. Both players are also a lock to start at their respective positions.
Unfortunately, their 2nd-round pick is in danger of losing his starting spot.
The Indianapolis Colts’ former 2nd-round pick isn’t a lock to start
The Colts drafted Alec Pierce 53rd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a star and a reliable complement to Pittman Jr. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone according to plan.
Pierce had his best statistical season as a rookie, recording 41 receptions on 78 targets for 593 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 2.6 receptions per game, 7.6 yards per target, 14.5 yards per reception, and 37.1 yards per game. Finally, he ranked third in receptions, third in targets, third in yards, fifth in touchdowns, and third in yards per reception on the team.
Pierce took a slight step back in production in his second season, recording 32 receptions on 65 targets for 514 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 1.9 receptions per game, 7.9 yards per target, 16.1 yards per reception, and 30.2 yards per game. Finally, he ranked third in receptions, third in targets, third in yards, fourth in touchdowns, and third in yards per reception on the team.
The Colts entered the draft uncomfortable with Pierce as the starter and decided to draft some competition.
The Indianapolis Colts drafted a WR in the 2nd round
The Colts drafted Adonai Mitchell 52nd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mitchell played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs in his first two seasons in college, recording 38 receptions for 560 yards and seven touchdowns. He transferred to the Texas Longhorns for the 2023 season. He broke out with 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Both players will compete for a starting spot.
Alec Pierce faces stiff competition
Given Mitchell’s athleticism, explosiveness, clutchness, and the fact that he’s already made an immediate impact throughout camp, Pierce faces stiff competition.
Expect the competition to heat up in training camp.
Will Pierce hold onto the starting job, or will Mitchell continue to impress and take over?
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