Mel Kiper Reveals His Favorite 'Under-the-Radar Offensive Player' in 2026 NFL Draft

North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance in Mel Kiper Jr.'s favorite "under-the-radar offensive player" ahead of April's 2026 NFL draft.

ESPN's draft guru wrote that Lance "keeps producing and just clipped 1,000 yards on the season with his fourth 100-plus-yard game two weeks ago against St. Thomas-Minnesota. The 6-foot-3, 209-pounder is the younger brother of quarterback Trey Lance, and he's looking like a Day 2 pick. He's averaging 20 yards per catch, sells his routes well and uses his great body control to make tough catches in tight coverage along the sideline."

For the season, Lance has registered 50 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns. He's on pace to eclipse last year's receiving yardage (1,053 yards) and could get close to his reception total as well (75) depending on whether North Dakota State goes on a deep playoff run, though he isn't going to replicate his absurd touchdown totals from 2024 (17).

Nonetheless, he's had a fantastic senior season and is one reason why the Bison are 12-0 on the year, the top-ranked team in the FCS and look poised to repeat as national champions.