Bryce Lance

Lance played at North Dakota State (FCS level), a historically productive pipeline but still a significant competition downgrade. NFL translation from FCS is far less certain than from Power 4 programs, and his volume (51 catches) came against inferior competition.

Lance will be approximately 25 years old when the 2026 NFL season begins, making him one of the older rookie WR prospects in this class. Dynasty windows for older rookies are compressed, limiting upside even in a best-case development arc.

The Saints already have Chris Olave (when healthy) and Rashid Shaheed as established WR options, and also drafted Jordyn Tyson in 2026. Lance enters a crowded depth chart as a 4th-round pick without a clear path to immediate targets.

4th-round picks (Pick 136) historically have a very low NFL starter conversion rate at WR. The Saints' organizational investment and roster priority are limited compared to earlier-round selections.

Kellen Moore's versatility-driven scheme rewards players who can man X/Z/F alignments; Olave, Tyson and Vele are all cited as multi-alignment playmakers, leaving Lance to earn snaps via special teams and rotation rather than a defined route to volume.

Lance posted a 4.34 40-yard dash at 6'3" with a 97th-percentile broad jump — a rare size-speed combination that gives him a legitimate ceiling as a vertical/YAC threat in the NFL if the ball finds him.

The Saints WR room has been plagued by injuries (Olave in particular), meaning Lance could see early opportunity if starters miss time. New Orleans has a history of churning through WR2/WR3 roles quickly.

Olave carries an extensive concussion/injury history and his contract situation is unsettled; a single injury or role change ahead of Lance could fast-track him past Vele into three-WR sets.

First-team AP All-American honors and a 89.5 PFF grade in 2025 at 21.2 YPC suggest genuine playmaking ability at his level. The production was dominant even if the competition was FCS-caliber.

Young WR (23) — still in value appreciation phase

Moore's pass-friendly offense is built to let vertical threats fly, a natural fit for Lance's deep-speed skillset alongside young QB Tyler Shough.