2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bryce Lance (WR – North Dakota State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bryce Lance

Bryce Lance (WR – North Dakota State)

6’3″ – 209 lbs.

Background

Brother is former third overall pick Trey Lance. Redshirted in 2021, then caught one pass over the next two seasons before working his way into the starting lineup. Had his best season in 2024, with a massive 75-1,053-17 (14.0) line, then followed that up with 51-1,079-8 (21.2) this past year.

Positives

Highly productive two-year starter with excellent size and length for the position. Has simple, clean releases at the line of scrimmage against press coverage. Long-strider who eats up cushions quickly against off coverage, with very good speed to challenge defenses downfield and the technique to stack opposing corners. Shows good effort to sink his hips into the route stems, with good explosiveness and some snap at the break. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder down the sidelines. Presents a big target and has a very reliable pair of hands, with just five career drops against 127 receptions. Catches the ball well away from his frame. Caught over sixty percent of his career contested catches, per PFF, showing good toughness and concentration; was a touchdown machine as a junior, and has the type of size to scheme one-on-one matchups for in the red zone. Pretty smooth after the catch, with the ability to run away from opponents and rack up yards after the catch when he finds a pocket of space. Has good functional strength and leg drive as a blocker once engaged, and his length and size give him a lot of upside there.

Negatives

Overaged and will turn twenty-five as a rookie. Ran a pretty simple route tree consisting of hitches, curls, hinges, in-breaking routes at the intermediate level, and deep shots. Balance and flexibility are closer to adequate. For a bigger receiver, gets disrupted by physicality on more routes than you’d expect. Runs a bit upright after the catch, which makes it more difficult for him to survive contact as a runner. Would like to see a little bit more urgency and physicality when stalking.

Summary

A very big, fast receiver who functioned as a deep threat for the Bison, he’s a long-strider with explosiveness as a route runner, a highly reliable pair of hands, and the size, concentration, and toughness to come down with contested catches. He may have to diversify his route tree a bit more at the next level, and although he has the tools to be a highly effective blocker, his aggression and competitiveness there isn’t the most consistent. Still, there’s a lot to like here, and his impressive combination of physical and athletic tools should have him firmly in the mid-round conversation despite his advanced age.

Projection: Round 4-5