ESPN: Rookie Saints WR made the most of offseason opportunities

New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Bryce Lance received an opportunity to take on a big role during minicamp. It's safe to say that the fourth-round rookie made the most of it with Chris Olave and first-round pick Jordyn Tyson limited due to injuries — which is why ESPN's Katherine Terrell highlighted Lance as the Saints' biggest surprise during team activities this spring.

>“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," Terrell wrote. "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 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."

>For Lance, a talented rookie wide receiver who might be overshadowed by the fact that the Saints selected a player at the same position three rounds earlier, making a great first impression was essential. There's a deep wide receiver room in New Orleans entering the 2026 season — much deeper than it was just one year prior — so consistent reps aren't always going to be easy to come by.

>OTAs and minicamp gave Lance a chance to show the coaching staff he can handle a larger workload when needed. Catching touchdowns from both Shough and Rattler also helps him, as he tries to carve out a minimal role entering training camp. Lance might not be one of the Saints' top options right away, but making a great impression is a strong first step.

>This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: ESPN: Rookie Saints WR Bryce Lance made the most of this offseason