After the Green Bay Packers traded Davante Adams, the Packers had a glaring void at the wide receiver position. Fortunately for them, they also had four draft picks in the first two rounds. It is widely believed that the Packers may use one of their first round picks to draft a wide receiver. It would be the first time Green Bay has taken a wide receiver in the first round since 2002. However, the team has other needs (including at safety) that may get addressed in the first round. If this is the case, surely Packers fans may be frustrated and disappointed. However, this is a deep wide receiver class in this draft. One of them, Alec Pierce from Cincinnati, has been dubbed Jordy Nelson 2.0 by many scouts. He would be an ideal second or third round pick for Green Bay.
Year 4 ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/eEkI5XpX2J
— Alec Pierce (@alecpierce) March 21, 2022
Alec Pierce at Cincinnati
Alec Pierce was a three-year started at Cincinnati. In 2019, his sophomore year, he had 37 receptions for 652 and two touchdowns. This was good for an average of 17.6 yards per reception. The next year, 2020, Pierce played in just six games due to a knee injury. He was productive upon his return, however, logging 17 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Pierce averaged 18.5 yards per reception that season. Last year, 2021, Pierce remained healthy all season and put up his best numbers. As a senior, Pierce had 52 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. This was good for 17 yards per reception.
The Scouting Report on Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce is six foot three and weighs 213 pounds. For comparison, Jordy Nelson was six foot three and weighed 217 pounds. That is not where the comparisons stop, though. Pierce is a physical receiver who has terrific hands. He rarely drops passes and can go up and get 50/50 throws.
Additionally, Pierce is an above-average route runner. While he has decent speed, he uses his route running to fool defenders. He is decisive and can adjust his body in the air for complicated catches. He is a very smart football player, and was flagged for a penalty just once in college.
The Jordy Nelson Comparisons
Alec Pierce grew up a Green Bay Packers fan and and has family in Menomonee Falls. However, it’s not just the Wisconsin connection that makes them alike. Pierce runs routes like Nelson, has reliable hands like Nelson, and can make the big plays downfield. It’s not just Packers analysts and fans who are making this comparison. The following are comments from fans/analysts of other NFL teams.
Jahan Dotson and Calvin Austin III are my preferred targets for the Colts at WR currently. ⚪️🔵
Need to watch more Alec Pierce still. Has some Jordy Nelson attributes. 🧐 #NFLDraft
— Pierre Wilson (@pwee31) March 27, 2022
You see, Alec Pierce is indeed a freak! He's 6'3 with solid size at around 215 before any NFL strength or growth. What's more fitting is that in an offense led by former GB mind Luke Getsy, he's sure to remind Luke of a guy he used to know, a guy by the name of Jordy Nelson. pic.twitter.com/YYZYwPL82Y
— Jordan Silveira (@JordanTSilveira) March 23, 2022
@dallascowboys I never ask for much but please give me Alec Pierce aka Jordy Nelson 2.0 at 56 please pic.twitter.com/uRAq40I6Tk
— Andre’ Jackson (@therealdre_jack) March 30, 2022
The Packers may draft a wide receiver in the first round. However, if Alec Pierce is still available to them in the second or third rounds, he would be an excellent addition. Having Jordy Nelson 2.0 on the team will go a long way in filling the void Davante Adams left.
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