North Dakota State has been, without a doubt, the most dominant program at the FCS level. With 10 titles over the last 15 seasons, nobody comes close. Naturally, the Bison have sent a good handful of players to the NFL. One of the next ones up is wide receiver Bryce Lance. After tearing up the FCS level the last two seasons, what does the uber-athletic receiver have for the NFL level?
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bryce Lance
Measurables
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 204 pounds
Arms: 32.13″
Hands: 9.25″
40-yard: 4.34
Vertical: 41.50″
Broad Jump: 11′ 1″
RAS: 9.95
School: North Dakota State
Bryce Lance NFL Draft Overview
Initially, a star at Marshall High School in Minnesota, Lance decided to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trey Lance, to North Dakota State.
As a true freshman in 2021, Lance did not appear in any games, utilizing his redshirt. In 2022, Lance’s participation took a jump, but he primarily rotated in on special teams for the Bison. It wasn’t until 2023 that Lance recorded his first catch. That catch was his only one, a seven-yard reception against Maine. He did appear in all 15 games for the Bison, primarily on special teams.
He finally got his opportunity to shine in the 2024 season for the national championship-winning Bison. In 16 games, Lance started 13 times. In total, he amassed 1,071 yards and an FCS-best 17 touchdowns on 75 receptions. He was named as a first-team Missouri Valley Football Conference receiver.
He elected to return to school for his redshirt senior season in 2025. As a result, he became the first Bison receiver with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. His final season at the FCS level finished with 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns on 51 receptions. As a result, he was named to the first-team All-American team by States Perform, the AFCA, AP, FCS Football Central, FCS Athletic Directors Association, and Phil Steele.
Strengths
- Incredibly productive with 2,157 yards and 25 touchdowns over last two seasons
- 4.34 40-yard time
- Has great straight-line speed, but can break it down and make smooth breaks
- Great at tracking the ball in flight and positioning his body
- Contested catches are a major strength of his
- Two drops on 99 targets in 2025
Weaknesses
- Competition level concerns, naturally
- Why did it take him until his redshirt junior season (fourth in college) to break out?
- Got away with being the best athlete on the field, will that translate against NFL competition?
- Will need to be better as a blocker
- May need to develop a more complete route tree
Projection: Third Round
Best Fits: Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons
Bottom Line on Bryce Lance
Each year, we fall in love with small-school prospects left and right. Everyone loves a feel-good story of a player coming from seemingly nowhere to dominate the NFL. Considering three of the greatest receivers in history came from Mississippi Valley State, Marshall, and Chattanooga, if you can play, the NFL will find you.
Lance can play. There will be concerns about whether or not he was a whale in a koi pond at the FCS level, especially when you look at the fact that it took him until his fourth collegiate season to break out. However, he has traits that can translate.
Out of the gate, Lance can be a Will Fuller-type of take-the-top-off-the-defense receiver. He could be a great value WR1 in the right system.
Lance is great at the vertical routes and flying by corners. He is also adept at turning 50-50 balls into 80-20 in the red zone.
At least he doesn’t have to worry about playing in the shadow of a successful older brother…
