NFL 2022: 5 Wide receivers ready to have a breakout season

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Jun 7, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) catches a pass during minicamp at the Colts practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports /

Breakout NFL WR no. 5: Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts

Matt Ryan is an old face in a new place with a lot to prove. He’ll have the weapons to do it. One of them is the rookie wide receiver, Alec Pierce.

Six wideouts went in the first round — Pierce wasn’t one of them. However, he’s received a ton of hype, understandably so.

The former Cincinnati Bearcat is 6-3 211 pounds with long arms and a solid frame. He’s a boundary wide receiver who could become Ryan’s top target.

Pierce was the 12th wide receiver taken, but he has an elite skill-set. He ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine, where he also showed off his explosive leaping ability (40 inches).

The Colts run a run-heavy offense led by Jonathan Taylor. However, that means Pierce will get plenty of targets off of play action.

Michael Pitman is the primary target for a team in desperate need of a No. 2. Teams will focus their attention on Taylor and Pitman leaving Pierce to see one-on-one coverage.

The former Bearcat will probably take the top off defenses while Pitman works underneath. His leaping ability will benefit him in the red zone. Pierce could catch 10, or more touchdown passes in his rookie season, putting him in the Rookie of the Year conversation.

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