Packers: Why Alec Pierce should be second-round target
The Green Bay Packers have been a Super Bowl-contending team for most of the last 30 years.
With that said, they have not drafted a skill position player in the first round since 2002. It has worked out pretty well for them.
Packers fans know the names of Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams.
None of those key receivers were drafted in the first round.
Donald Driver was drafted in the seventh round in 1999. More recently, Allen Lazard went undrafted.
Green Bay has a knack for finding good receivers outside of round one. There is always the chance they don’t take a receiver in the first round this year even if that position is a massive need and they have two top-28 picks.
One possible second-round receiver GM Brian Gutekunst might look to target is Cincinnati’s Alec Pierce.
Coincidentally, Pierce grew up a Packers fan in Illinois.
In his collegiate career at Cincinnati, Pierce was a yards-per-catch machine. From 2019-2021, he averaged 17.6, 18.5, and 17.0 yards per reception.
After a shoulder injury shortened his 2020 season, he had a career year in 2021. He became an All-American, catching 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
Pierce has good size, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 210 pounds.
He has great speed (4.41-second 40-yard dash). His leaping ability is incredible (40.5-inch vertical jump).
His size and speed make separation from defenders easier. He plays big, which could be great news for both Matt LaFleur’s passing game and running game.
His ability to work underneath and find the holes in zone defenses is a plus.
Pierce’s ability to take on the opposing defense’s biggest cornerback could be an exciting proposition for Green Bay, especially with the former Bearcat’s ability to high-point the ball.
He does have some experience playing special teams too, which could be of interest to Green Bay.
There have been scouts that worry about his route-running ability. Or, his release isn’t quite quick enough for the NFL.
That kind of reminds me of a certain Kansas State WR the Packers drafted in the second round in 2008 named Nelson. The same could be said for Kent State WR Julian Edelman.
In sports, you never know. Alec Pierce is not being mentioned in the same breath as Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave. But he certainly seems like he could be a stud in the right situation.
If the Packers do not take a receiver in the first round, it is not the end of the world. They have depth needs along the offensive line, as well as inside linebacker, edge rusher, and safety.
Wide receiver is the only immediate, diehard need.
The Packers could add to an already-talented defense or add another mauler along the offensive line, then draft Pierce in the second round if he is still there.
He could come in and form a good, trustworthy connection with Aaron Rodgers, who will help him elevate his game.
Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard will show him the ropes in Green Bay, which is fantastic because he has a blue collar attitude just like those two. Plus, Sammy Watkins is a total pro who has run every route in the book.
No, Pierce is not going to be taken in top 10. He doesn’t have “superstar” written all over him.
But the Packers have a pretty good situation going. Back-to-back-to-back 13-win seasons. A four-time MVP at QB. A brilliant offensive-minded HC.
Alec Pierce, a true athlete, could come in and add to a pass-catching room that needs his size, speed, and savviness.