Earlier this offseason, I spoke with a team source about the roster; I asked which player they believed would take the biggest step forward this season, and their answer was Alec Pierce.

When speaking with someone who works for the #Colts today they had high praise for a certain WR.

"He's locked in, you can tell he took the offseason to improve mentally & physically. He's going to shock people with the jump he has this year!"

That WR Alec Pierce ???? pic.twitter.com/PWx3OwIzWr

— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) July 9, 2023

The 2nd year in the NFL has brought many significant jumps at the WR position across the league. And with the changes made by the Colts, Alec Pierce could be in store for a jump of his own. 

Notable 2nd Year Jumps

DeAndre Hopkins

• Rookie Year
  
  2013: 52 receptions, 802 yards, 2 touchdowns
• 2nd-Year
  
  2014: 76 receptions, 1,210 yards, 6 touchdowns

Brandin Cooks

• Rookie Year
  
  2014: 53 receptions, 550 yards, 3 touchdowns
• 2nd-Year
  
  2015: 84 receptions, 1,138 yards, 9 touchdowns

Tyreek Hill

• Rookie Year
  
  2016: 61 receptions, 593 yards, 6 touchdowns
• 2nd-Year
  
  2017: 75 receptions, 1,183 yards, 7 touchdowns

DJ Moore

• Rookie Year:
  
  2018: 55 receptions, 788 yards, 2 touchdowns
  
  
• 2nd-Year:
  
  2019: 87 receptions, 1175 yards, 4 touchdowns

DK Metcalf

• Rookie Year
  
  2019: 58 receptions, 900 yards, 7 touchdowns
• 2nd-Year
  
  2020: 83 receptions, 1,303 yards, 10 touchdowns

The Colt's 2022 passing game would have been rough for any receiver to find their barrons in the NFL. Pierce had three different QBs, two different head coaches, and two different offensive play callers. One from each category being the first time in their careers in those roles; Jeff Saturday as a head coach, Sam Ehlinger at QB, and Parks Frazier as an offensive play caller. 

Through all of that chaos, Alec Pierce put up 41 receptions, 593 yards, and two touchdowns during his rookie season. 

He is now entering his 2nd season in the NFL and already has his 3rd head coach, and by the time week 1 of the 2023 season arrives, he will have played with his 4th different QB. 

Pierce has been quite impressive to start training camp. He's creating consistent separation and has built quite the connection with rookie QB Anthony Richardson. The duo has created the loudest moments of camp, connecting on multiple deep balls already.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen's offense will put a larger importance on attacking defenses vertically. And, so far through training camp, the WR that has looked to fit Steichen's scheme the best has been Alec Pierce. 

When camp standout CB Darrell Baker Jr. was asked which WR had pushing him the most in camp so far, his answer was Alec Pierce. Pierce's combination of size and speed can't be taught. And I believe this system and a quarterback with Anthony Richardson's arm talent will unlock the WR's potential and set up a monster sophomore season. 

Buy the Alec Pierce stock while it is low because, after this season, I believe he will be a household name.

Reacting to the Colts 1st depth chart

Thoughts on the 1st unofficial Colts depth chart of the season

Featured Image By: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports