Bryce Lance looks to be the next NFL Draft pick from NDSU.
The Bison have had 14 selections since 2014, including Lance’s brother, Trey, getting selected in the 2021 first round.
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Bryce Lance NFL Draft Projection
Bryce Lance is projected to be a 2nd-3rd round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, per Draft Scout’s database. He is ranked the No. 84 overall prospect and the No. 13 wide receiver.
Update: Lance was selected in the 4th round by the Saints.
Bryce Lance NFL Draft Profile & College Stats
Two years ago, to think Lance would be a likely Day 2 NFL Draft pick would have been a wild thought.
That’s because he had one career catch for seven yards entering his junior season in 2024.
But then Lance saw a breakthrough year in 2024. He erupted for 75 catches for 1,071 yards and 17 touchdowns, helping NDSU to another FCS national championship. Lance was named to the All-MVFC First Team.
In 2025, Lance returned to NDSU, turning down Power 4 interest. He registered 51 receptions for 1,079 yards and eight TDs, earning multiple FCS All-American accolades along with another nod on the All-MVFC First Team.
Lance worked with two pro prospect quarterbacks at NDSU. Cam Miller started at NDSU from 2021 to 2024 before being selected in the 2025 sixth round. Senior Cole Payton took over in 2025 and is expected to hear his name called in this year’s draft.
At 6-foot-3 and 204 pounds with impressive speed and a big catch radius, Lance’s NFL stock has continued to improve throughout the draft process. He scored the No. 2 Athleticism Score among wide receivers at the 2026 NFL Combine (full results below).
NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein’s overview of Lance states: “Fifth-year senior with two seasons of explosive production as a boundary target. Lance lacks release quickness/short-area agility as a route-runner but possesses outstanding ball skills and positional instincts that allow him to create catch space. He has run-by speed on the FCS level but won’t be able to rely on pure gas to beat NFL coverage. He will have to spend more time polishing up his route work. Lance needs a more intentional route tree on the next level, but he’s smart, has good ball skills and should compete for a role as a backup.”
Bryce Lance Highlights
Bryce Lance Height & Weight
Lance measured in at 6-foot-3 and 204 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Bryce Lance NFL Combine Results
Lance participated in five events at the NFL Combine.
He recorded a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, 4.15-second 20-yard shuttle, 7.0-second 3-cone drill, 41.5-inch vertical, and an 11-1 broad jump.
Each of those marks was Top 5 among wide receivers at the 2026 NFL Combine, as Lance scored the No. 2 WR Athleticism Score
Where Is Bryce Lance From?
Bryce Lance’s hometown is Marshall, MN.
He played football at Marshall High School before beginning his collegiate career at NDSU in 2021.
Bryce Lance High School Recruiting Ranking
Lance was a 3-star recruit in the high school class of 2021, per 247Sports.
