Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson have spent much of the offseason recovering, and as a result, many of the New Orleans Saints receivers are getting more reps in practice. Fourth round pick Bryce Lance made the most of the opportunities. ESPN beat writers gave the biggest surprise player of the offseason for each team. Lance's impressively hot start earned him the nod from Katherine Terrell.
"The fourth-round pick got his time to shine during minicamp with Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson limited and a number of other wideouts hurt. Lance made it count during the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods, working with both the first- and second-team quarterbacks. He scored a touchdown in 11-on-11 red zone work on a pass from Spencer Rattler on the final day of minicamp and also had a touchdown from Tyler Shough in 7-on-7s that day. Lance might not get as many reps when the other receivers get healthy, but it's a positive start for the rookie."
What happens when the Olave and Tyson are back in the fold is a big question. Their absence naturally pushed certain players into first-team and second-team reps that won't be available once the Saints' top receivers come back. Lance should be safe, though. He won't get as many reps, but he should still get work with Tyler Shough and the second-team quarterbacks.
Bryce Lance could be hidden gem for the Saints
Lance is a fourth round pick, so there's no need to act as if there's zero expectations. Unlike players like Mason Tipton, Kevin Austin Jr. or Bub Means, Lance isn't in a position to feel like he's fighting for a roster spot or to be a practice squad priority. That being said, it doesn't feel like there's a rush to get production out of him either.
The Saints drafted three receivers this year, and Lance is the one discussed the least. Barion Brown has the return game working to his advantage. Lance is often viewed as the small school receiver with a high ceiling but needs time to develop. What if he doesn't?
Lance was a fourth round pick for a reason. His size and blazing speed create an interesting combination for the team. He has a prototypical build for most situations. He can high point passes in red zone situations. Lance has speed, but he's more than just a vertical threat. He also has the run after catch ability the Saints have been missing for a few years.
Lance isn't the most physical receiver, which would be the likeliest hurdle he could hit in the league. His run after the catch is largely built on speed and elusiveness. Playing through physicality in coverage could make it difficult to uncover early in his run, however, there are ways to work around it.
Being able to get more reps is great for the receivers lower on the depth chart, but Lance getting increased time with Tyler Shough has the highest ceiling of impact for the Saints. Mickey Loomis and co. should be happy that no receiver took advantage of that chance more.
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