The New Orleans Saints made a move that will resonate with fans of NFL bloodlines and FCS dominance alike on Saturday, selecting North Dakota State Bison wide receiver Bryce Lance with the No. 136 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The pick, announced via NFL.com, adds another weapon to a Saints offense that has been methodically retooling over the past two offseasons. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Lance brings a blend of size, physicality, and contested-catch ability that has become a hallmark of the Saints' preferred receiver profile. But what makes this selection especially intriguing is the name on the back of his jersey.
Bryce Lance is the younger brother of Trey Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft whose career path has been anything but linear. While Trey has navigated trades, injuries, and a position change, Bryce has quietly built his own résumé in Fargo, and the Saints are betting that the younger Lance can carve out a role in a receiver room that has been searching for consistency beyond Chris Olave.
From Bison to Big Easy
Bryce Lance's path to the NFL is not the typical story of a Power Five blue-chipper who dominated from day one. Instead, it's a tale of steady growth, clutch performances, and a knack for rising to the moment. At North Dakota State, Lance played in an offense that prioritizes the run game and play-action, which means his statistics -- 47 receptions for 758 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season -- might not jump off the page the way some FBS prospects' numbers do. But context matters.
Lance was the Bison's primary deep threat and red-zone target, using his frame to box out defenders and his strong hands to snatch the ball at its highest point. He averaged over 16 yards per catch in his senior campaign, showcasing the vertical ability that the Saints have long coveted in their passing game. More importantly, he did it on the biggest stage. In the FCS playoffs, Lance was a consistent difference-maker, hauling in critical third-down conversions and touchdowns when the game was on the line.
The Bison program has produced a steady pipeline of NFL talent, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, but Lance is part of a recent trend of FCS skill-position players making the leap. His pro day numbers were solid -- a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical jump, and a broad jump of 10-foot-4 -- which, combined with his measured catch radius, suggest he has the athletic foundation to compete at the next level.
What Lance Brings to the Saints Offense
The Saints' receiving corps is in an interesting state of transition. Chris Olave has established himself as a legitimate No. 1 receiver, capable of running the full route tree and winning at all three levels. Rashid Shaheed has emerged as one of the league's most dangerous deep threats and return specialists. After that, however, the depth chart becomes murky. The team has cycled through veterans and younger players at the No. 3 spot, but no one has fully locked down the role.
Bryce Lance profiles as a classic X receiver or big slot who can win in the intermediate and deep areas. He isn't going to create separation with sudden, explosive movements in the short game -- that's not his game. What he does well is use his body to shield defenders, track the ball over his shoulder, and come down with throws that aren't perfectly placed. In a Saints offense that has historically valued precise route running and timing, Lance will need to refine his releases and route details. But the raw tools are there.
One area where Lance could contribute immediately is in the red zone. The Saints have had stretches where scoring in tight spaces felt like pulling teeth. Lance's ability to high-point the football and win contested catches near the goal line gives the offensive coordinator a new option when defenses compress the field. He also offers value as a blocking receiver on the perimeter, something the Saints have traditionally asked of their wideouts in the run game.
The Brother Factor
It's impossible to ignore the Trey Lance connection, and it will follow Bryce throughout his rookie season. Trey Lance, who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 and has since moved on to another team, has dealt with a slew of challenges -- a broken ankle, a coaching change, and a position switch to running back that has drawn mixed reviews. The elder Lance's career has been defined by what-ifs and unrealized potential.
Bryce, however, appears to be on a more grounded trajectory. He wasn't a top-three pick carrying the weight of a franchise's future. He's a fourth-round selection from an FCS program, a developmental piece with traits worth investing in. The Saints aren't asking him to be a savior. They're asking him to compete for a roster spot, contribute on special teams, and grow into a rotational receiver.
If anything, the Lance surname might work in Bryce's favor when it comes to media attention. The national narrative will want to tie the two brothers together, but the Saints' front office and coaching staff have made it clear in their evaluations that they're drafting the player, not the name. According to team sources, Bryce's football IQ and work ethic were major selling points in meetings, and his familiarity with a pro-style system under the Bison's coaching staff eased the transition concerns.
Where Does He Fit on the Roster?
The Saints typically carry five or six wide receivers on the active roster, and Lance enters a room that is competitive but not impenetrable. Olave and Shaheed are locks. The team also brought back a veteran presence in free agency last month, adding a savvy route runner who can operate both inside and out. Behind them, players like A.T. Perry and a 2025 undrafted free agent have shown flashes but remain unproven over a full season.
Lance's path to a roster spot likely runs through special teams. He has experience as a gunner on punt coverage and as a blocker in the return game. If he can prove his value in the third phase, he becomes a much easier player to keep on the 53-man roster while he develops as a receiver.
The offseason program will be critical. Lance will need to hit the ground running in rookie minicamp and OTAs, showing that he can pick up the playbook and execute with precision. His physical gifts are evident, but the jump from the FCS to the NFL is steep. The speed of the game, the complexity of defenses, and the precision required in route running will all be challenges.
A Pick with Purpose
Selecting Bryce Lance at No. 136 is not a pick that will make headlines on SportsCenter, but it is a pick that fits the Saints' philosophy under the current front office. They have consistently prioritized players with size, length, and a competitive mindset. They value college production against quality competition, and they have shown a willingness to bet on traits -- even from non-Power Five programs.
The Saints' draft board in 2026 has been characterized by a focus on adding depth at skill positions, reinforcing the offensive line, and finding value late on Day 3. Lance checks the box as a value pick in a receiver class that was considered deep but not star-studded. If he develops into a reliable No. 3 or No. 4 receiver, the pick will be a win. If he becomes more than that -- if he carves out a starting role or becomes a red-zone weapon -- the Saints will have stolen a contributor in the fourth round.
The Road Ahead
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Bryce Lance adapts. The Saints are a team in flux, coming off a season where they missed the playoffs and are looking to re-establish themselves in a competitive NFC South. The quarterback situation remains a storyline to monitor, and how the passing game evolves will directly impact rookie receivers.
But for now, the Saints have added a player with NFL bloodlines, FCS toughness, and a chip on his shoulder. Bryce Lance is not his brother. He's not a former third overall pick with expectations shaped by draft capital. He's a fourth-round wideout from North Dakota State who has a real chance to earn his stripes the old-fashioned way -- by competing, blocking, and catching everything thrown his way.
Welcome to New Orleans, Bryce. The Black and Gold faithful are ready to see what you can do.
