As NFL Draft nears, a lot of mocking going on

NDSU's Bryce Lance and Cole Payton pegged as picks from third to fifth rounds, with the bonus of MSUM's Jack Strand possibly going in the seventh.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy, green, and orange, conveying the complex and multifaceted nature of NFL draft projections.The NFL Draft's annual flurry of speculation and analysis breaks down the potential futures of local college football stars into a kaleidoscope of projections and possibilities.Fargo Today

With the NFL Draft just two weeks away, the sports media landscape is flooded with mock drafts from analysts and experts predicting where college players will be selected. Among the local prospects, North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance and quarterback Cole Payton are projected to be picked in the third to fifth rounds, while Minnesota State University Moorhead quarterback Jack Strand could potentially be a late-round selection or free agent signing.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is a major event that generates significant interest and speculation, with analysts and fans closely following the process of which players will be selected by which teams. For local college football programs like NDSU and MSUM, having players drafted or signed as free agents is an important milestone that can raise the profile of their programs and provide opportunities for their student-athletes.

The details

According to draft analysts, Bryce Lance is projected to be selected in the third or fourth round, with ESPN's Matt Miller predicting he will be picked 96th overall by the Seattle Seahawks. Cole Payton is expected to go in the fourth or fifth round, with Miller projecting him to be taken 114th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, MSUM's Jack Strand is viewed as a potential late-round pick or free agent signing, with The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranking him as the 15th-best quarterback in the class and a possible seventh-round selection or undrafted free agent.

  • The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25, 2026 in Pittsburgh.
  • Dane Brugler's annual draft guide 'The Beast' was released on April 8, 2026.

The players

Bryce Lance

A wide receiver from North Dakota State University who is projected to be selected in the third or fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cole Payton

A quarterback from North Dakota State University who is expected to be picked in the fourth or fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jack Strand

A quarterback from Minnesota State University Moorhead who is viewed as a potential late-round draft pick or undrafted free agent signing in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“'Elected a 2025 team captain and universally liked in the program (NFL scout: 'Comes from an A-plus family. … He'll maximize every ounce of his football talent.')”

— Dane Brugler, Draft Analyst, The Athletic

“'Payton is green and will require patience, but he's a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. His physical tools and competitive makeup are promising qualities for a developmental prospect.'”

— Dane Brugler, Draft Analyst, The Athletic

“'A big-boned, sturdy passer, Strand has a live arm but a funky, side-armed release. His accuracy is adequate, but his ball placement must be more consistent when attacking small-window throws.'”

— Dane Brugler, Draft Analyst, The Athletic

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where the fates of Bryce Lance, Cole Payton, and Jack Strand will be determined.

The takeaway

This year's NFL Draft will provide an opportunity for local college football programs like NDSU and MSUM to gain national exposure and recognition as their players vie for spots on professional rosters. While the Bison may not have any first or second-round selections, the potential for late-round picks or free agent signings, particularly of quarterbacks Payton and Strand, will keep draft enthusiasts engaged until the very end.