Horseshoe Huddle

3 Excellent Receiver Draft Fits for Colts Should Alec Pierce Depart

If Alec Pierce leaves the Indianapolis Colts, the franchise should consider one of these pass-catchers as a replacement.
Drake Wally|
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) runs with the ball against Miami Hurricanes defensive back Ethan O'Connor (24) during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) runs with the ball against Miami Hurricanes defensive back Ethan O'Connor (24) during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts find themselves in drama yet again after not getting a deal done with star wide receiver Alec Pierce before the tag deadline on Tuesday, March 3rd, at 4 pm Eastern Standard Time.

As a result, Pierce can test the free-agent market and negotiate with other teams once legal tampering begins on March 9th.

While Indy is working hard to get a deal done by then, the reality is that Pierce could be gone. If this were to happen, the Colts would need an answer to fill the void. One area to address this is through the 2026 NFL draft.

With this top of mind, let's dive into three receiver prospects that could help Indianapolis bridge the gap should Pierce depart.

Malachi Fields | Notre Dame

Wide receiver Malachi Fields (gold helmet) tries to gain more yards after hauling in a catch.
Nov 1, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) runs after a catch in the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images | Edward Finan-Imagn Images

Notre Dame's Malachi Fields is the definition of an explosive receiver. After spending four years with the Virginia Commodores, he found his way to South Bend, Indiana, to join the Fighting Irish.

Fields was a big play machine in 2025. Through 12 games, he caught 36 passes for 630 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and an impressive 17.5 yards per reception.

Fields' large frame and ability to be a downfield threat would help Indianapolis transition from Pierce and still give Shane Steichen's offense a solid deep weapon.

While he'd be a rookie, it would give him a great opportunity to learn from one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, Reggie Wayne.

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Elijah Sarratt | Indiana

Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (red and white jersey) celebrates with the National Championship trophy following a victory
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) kisses the trophy after winning the CFP National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Why not turn to a hometown hero like Indiana's Elijah Sarratt?

Sarratt followed Curt Cignetti to Bloomington after spending the 2023 season at James Madison and never looked back.

Sarratt is a solid deep threat with upside as a volume receiver and always threatens to score touchdowns in a big way.

2025 saw Sarratt explode with his receiver metrics, hauling in 65 catches for 830 receiving yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns in 14 games.

Sarratt will likely go in the second or third round in this year's draft, which still gives the Colts a chance to prioritize linebacker or defensive end in Round 2.

Not only would it be a feel-good story to draft Sarratt, but his potential is undeniable, and he'd have a chance to flourish in an offense that predicates success on a strong ground game, opening up opportunities for him to excel.

Ja'Kobi Lane | USC

Wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (red and yellow uniform) gets ready to run with the football after hauling in a reception.
Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) catches a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

USC's Ja'Kobi Lane was a great go-to option through his three seasons with the Big Ten competitor.

Lane played in 30 games and secured 99 catches for 1,363 receiving yards, a 13.8 yards per catch average, and 18 touchdowns (12 in 2024).

Lane fits the mold of a Chris Ballard-type receiver, and his Relative Athletic Score is a perfect fit for the X receiver Indianapolis would need should Pierce leave in free agency.

The biggest issue for Lane was drops in college, but similar to the entry for Fields, he'd get a chance to work with the Colts' wide receivers coach, Wayne. This would hopefully quell that issue and make his transition to the NFL gridiron easier.

Lane has Michael Pittman Jr. vibes, but is more of a deep weapon to stretch defenses and open up the rest of Steichen's offense.

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Drake Wally
DRAKE WALLY

Drake Wally is a co-deputy editor of Indianapolis Colts on SI. His works have also appeared on Bleacher Report, MSN, Yahoo, and SBNation. He also co-hosts the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast.

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