Bryce Lance

NFL Draft Profile: Bryce Lance

Position: Wide Receiver | School: North Dakota State (NDSU) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 209 lbs | Archetype: Route Runner / Deep Threat

College Career Summary

Bryce Lance, the younger brother of NFL quarterback Trey Lance, carved out his own legacy in Fargo through patience and explosive production. After redshirting in 2021 and primarily serving as a special teams ace in 2022 and 2023, Lance underwent a historic breakout in 2024. He led the FCS with 17 receiving touchdowns and played a pivotal role in NDSU's 10th national championship, including a legendary one-handed catch in the semifinals.

In 2025, Lance returned for his final season to refine his craft. He dominated the FCS landscape again, earning AP First Team All-American honors. Over the 13-game 2025 season, he recorded 51 receptions for 1,079 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging a staggering 21.1 yards per catch. He finished his career as a Walter Payton Award finalist, known for his "big-game" gene and elite vertical tracking.

Career Stats Highlights

• Total Receptions: 127 | Total Receiving Yards: 2,157 | TDs: 25

• 2025 Stats: 51 Rec, 1,079 Yds, 8 TD (Leading NDSU to an undefeated regular season)

• Drops: Extremely reliable; maintained a drop rate under 5% throughout his starting tenure.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	@ Colorado	4 / 72 / 1	A-	Proved his FCS production translates to the Power 4 stage.
2	vs Tennessee St	5 / 112 / 2	A+	The Apex. Total mismatch on deep posts; unguardable.
4	@ Illinois St	3 / 88 / 1	A-	Scored a 78-yard TD on the first play of the game.
6	vs N. Dakota	6 / 95 / 0	B+	High-volume chain mover; dominant in the intermediate game.
8	@ S. Dakota St	4 / 64 / 1	A	Scored the go-ahead TD in a hostile rivalry environment.
10	vs Missouri St	5 / 121 / 2	A+	Clutch. Two 40+ yard catches; showcased elite deep speed.
12	@ Murray St	2 / 31 / 0	C+	Game-script limited; double-teamed nearly every snap.
14	vs Illinois St*	3 / 94 / 1	B+	(Playoffs) Caught a 78-yarder; was the lone bright spot in an upset loss.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 96/100

• Leadership: Elite. Transitioned from a "lead by example" player to a vocal senior captain.

• Mental Toughness: Waited three years for a starting role; never entered the portal despite Power 5 offers.

• Competitor: Thrives in the post-season; 7 of his 17 TDs in 2024 came in playoff games.

• Team Player: Credits coach Tim Polasek's belief for his breakout; elite special teams contributor.

• Star Power: High. He is the focal point of the Bison offense and a perennial "must-watch" player.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 92/100

• Height/Weight: 6'3", 209 lbs. (Exceeds 6'0"/200lb targets; prototypical NFL "X" frame).

• Stamina: High; capable of playing heavy snaps on offense and special teams.

• Durability: Played 29 consecutive games across 2024 and 2025.

• Injury History: Medically clean; no significant time missed in college career.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Catching: Elite. Vacuum hands; capable of circus, one-handed grabs in traffic.

• Route Running: Highly polished; understands how to manipulate DB leverage in zone.

• Body Control: Strength. Exceptional ability to high-point and contort along the sideline.

• Separation: Creates space via size and "stacking" defenders vertically.

• Release: Proficient; uses his 209-pound frame to discard press-man coverage.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 90/100

• Speed: 4.48 (Estimated). Long-strider speed that covers ground rapidly.

• Agility: Solid for his size; fluid enough to run sharp digs and comebacks.

• Jumping: Elite. Verified 40-inch vertical jump; a massive advantage in the red zone.

• Acceleration: Good initial burst; reaches top gear quickly for a 6'3" receiver.

• Break Tackle: Uses strength and a stiff-arm to gain YAC; hard to bring down on first contact.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 97/100

• Awareness: Exceptional; masters the "scramble drill" and knows exactly where the sticks are.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Protypical NFL size and frame; elite "clutch" performer; massive catch radius; 40-inch vertical leap; high-IQ route runner with NFL bloodlines; extensive special teams experience.

• Weaknesses: Straight-line speed is very good but not "elite" in the track-sense; played in an FCS-level speed environment (though dominated); can still add play-strength to his frame.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal X-Receiver in a Pro-Style or Vertical-based offense (e.g., Packers, Colts, Lions).

• NFL Comparison: Courtland Sutton / Christian Watson (playstyle).

Scout's Final Word

"Bryce Lance is the best-kept secret in the 2026 class. He has the size and vertical explosiveness of a first-round pick, combined with the blue-collar work ethic of an NDSU special teamer. His 2025 tape shows a refined, veteran receiver who is ready for a professional route tree. He won’t just make an NFL roster; he will contribute on Day 1. Projected: Round 2–3."