The Facts: The Colts select Cincinnati receiver Pierce with the 53rd pick overall.
Diehards Line:
As NFL.com notes, Pierce was a mismatch as a deep-ball target at Cincinnati, but is more likely to be tabbed as a possession receiver with the ability to create some downfield trouble as a pro. He plays a physical brand of ball and has combat-catch toughness, which is important because he's not an elusive route runner. He can work underneath or challenge a bigger, slower cornerback deep, but the route tree is going to be limited. Some players have traits that don't show up on the field, but Pierce utilizes both his physical and athletic gifts. He has backup potential with zone-beater and red-zone value, and will likely play on special teams. He also lands on a depth chart without much in terms of consistent producers beyond Michael Pittman Jr.