Making the Case: Why the Bears should draft wide receiver Alec Pierce

The CHGO Sports crew continues “Making the Case” for prospects the Chicago Bears should consider drafting.

It’s the first day of April and still the same problem remains for the Chicago Bears. The team is still in need of playmakers for second-year quarterback Justin Fields. 

Even though the organization may be excited about wide receiver Byron Pringle, the position group needs more weapons to truly get the best evaluation out of the Bears’ young quarterback. 

Here is why the Bears should consider drafting former Cincinnati Bearcat wide receiver Alec Pierce. 

Alec Pierce’s Strengths

In this new Bears’ regime under coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles, the organization is looking to add receivers who have speed and also players with different body types. 

Despite Pierce being listed at 6-foot-3, 211 pounds – which would be the biggest receiver on the Bears’ roster – he also ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. So, Pierce fits the two criterias that Eberflus and Poles are looking for at the position. 

He also would provide Fields with a vertical threat capable of making explosive plays, and his 40.5-inch vertical allows him to high point the football and elevate over defenders. 

When Ridder's on, everything looks free and easy. Take this go route to Alec Pierce, which Ridder drops right in the bucket on play action.

Ridder's mechanics are generally good, especially his footwork. He also flashes solid running ability and toughness. pic.twitter.com/EbKn4MRoMT

— Bradley Locker (@Bradley_Locker) March 24, 2022

Last season, Pierce earned all-ACC Second-Team honors with his 52 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. His 17.34 yards per reception finished as the fourth-most by a Bearcat pass-catcher in team history.

Pierce also showed he is capable of winning off the line of scrimmage in one-on-one coverage. Even though he didn’t get the ball thrown his way on these two plays against Alabama last season, Pierce created separation and easily could’ve scored if given the opportunity. 

https://twitter.com/JetPackGalileo/status/1507029868143263750?s=20

For an offense that needs additional playmakers, Pierce would give the Bears an X receiver that is currently missing on the roster. 

(Bleacher Report released its latest mock draft on Friday and had the Bears selecting Pierce with the No. 39 overall pick in the draft.)

Alec Pierce’s Weaknesses 

One of Pierce’s biggest knocks is his lack of yards after the catch production. Although he did create explosive plays down the field, there wasn’t much created once Pierce secured the catch. 

David Bell > George Pickens, Chris Olave, Alec Pierce pic.twitter.com/rPdOXOXj73

— Fusue (@DevyEusuf) March 8, 2022

Another area Pierce hopes to improve on is his technique. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, he said he still feels he is “pretty raw at receiver.”

Interesting Alec Pierce Facts

As many people know, Pierce is from Glen Ellyn, Ill. and played football at Glenbard West High School – which is roughly 30-45 minutes away from Soldier Field. His parents played collegiate sports at Northwestern. His mom played volleyball and his dad played football. 

Got a chance to talk to Glen Ellyn native and Cincinnati wide receiver Alec Pierce.

I asked him what it would mean to play for the Chicago #Bears.

"It would be awesome to play for the Bears … My friends would love that from back home."

Pierce didn't grow up a Bears fan. pic.twitter.com/a6KeVcZzBm

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) February 2, 2022

As you can see in the last part of the tweet, “Pierce didn’t grow up a Bears fan.” The Glen Ellyn native – unfortunately – liked the Green Bay Packers when he was younger. 

If the Bears do end up selecting Pierce, I’m sure the fanbase would forgive him.