It isn’t a secret the Chicago Bears need more help at wide receiver if they’re going to help Justin Fields take the next step. Thus far, their efforts have been somewhat subdued in this endeavor. To date, their only meaningful addition is Byron Pringle, a solid player from Kansas City who served as the Chiefs’ primary slot option. As for Equanimeous St. Brown, he is more of a special teams option. All signs point to the Bears addressing the position early in the 2022 draft, which might explain their close monitoring of Alec Pierce.
Several NFL teams descended on the Cincinnati campus for the Bearcats’ pro day. No surprise after the program made the College Football Playoff last season. One lone Chicago representative was in attendance, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert. That sent a clear message about who he was there to see. From a physical standpoint, Pierce might be one of the most exciting prospects in the draft. He is 6’3 with long arms and good strength, but he also boasts sub-4.4 speed.
That can make for a dangerous combination.
Breakdown of today’s NFL attendees at Cincinnati pro-day:
*HC- ATL, HOU, NO, PIT, TEN, WAS
*GM- ATL, NYG, PIT, WAS
*QB- ATL, HOU, PIT, TEN, WAS
*OC- ATL, DAL, PIT, WAS
*DC- ATL
*WR- ATL, CHI, NO
*RB- NO
*LB- ATL, AZ, CIN
*DB- ATL, HOU, NYJ, TEN
*ST- DAL pic.twitter.com/5ZTLc5gmxS— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 24, 2022
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder spread the ball around a lot last season, but he always turned to Alec Pierce every time he needed a big play. The receiver led the Bearcats in both yards (884) and touchdowns (8) despite only 54 total catches. Some people, though, wonder if his speed is overblown. While he did test well, it didn’t always show up on the field. Many of his big catches were often contested, leading some to wonder if he’ll be more of a possession target in the NFL.
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That is not to say this is a bad thing. Pierce showed on multiple occasions he could win that 50/50 battle. Justin Fields needs a receiver like that. Perhaps his route running needs cleaning up to take better advantage of his speed. Hence, Tolbert was attending his pro day. He wanted to get a closer look at what the receiver can or cannot do. Or rather what he can become. Tolbert has a reputation for developing unheralded talents.
Expectations are that Pierce will go somewhere late on Day 2 or early on Day 3 of the draft. Keep an eye on the Bears when that range comes up.
