Vikings Could Find Help in the FCS
The NFL Draft is just over a week away and the focus is mostly on the stars from big programs following deep playoff runs. However, some smaller school prospects could also contribute at the next level, including players from FCS programs.
The Vikings are viewed as landing spots for a couple of FCS players. Gerald J. Huggins II of SI.com listed his favorite destinations for the top FCS prospects. Receiver Bryce Lance and defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor fit the organization.
Bryce Lance
Lance has starred for the North Dakota State, recording over 1,000 yards in each of his last two college seasons. He also caught 25 touchdowns in that span. After registering 17 scores in 2024, his numbers declined last year, partly due to playing with a new, inexperienced quarterback.
Huggins II wrote about the wideout, “Lance’s game is predicated on his size, elite athletic profile, and his ability to win downfield and across the middle of the field. Ideally, for Lance, he needs to be in a scheme that creates free releases, utilizes a good amount of play-action, attacks the deep and intermediate middle area of the field with crossers, posts, and over routes, while maximizing his catch radius.”
Kevin O’Connell does all of these things. He moves his receivers around to put them in the best position to thrive on any given play. When defenses key in on Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings need a third threat. Jalen Nailor departed in free agency and Lance could be a possible successor. His competition would be last year’s third-rounder, Tai Felton.
“The system will reduce his exposure to press coverage early in his career until he’s able to refine his release package to beat press coverage more consistently,” Huggins II added.
Lance is mostly viewed as a mid-round pick. The Vikings have a couple of picks in the third round and Lance could be an option.
Quarterback Trey Lance never found his way to the Twin Cities, but his brother might.
Kaleb Proctor
Along the defensive line, the Vikings lost even more snaps than at wide receiver. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were released, leaving a short-handed defensive front behind starter Jalen Redmond.
As the class doesn’t feature sure-fire defensive linemen in the first round, waiting a little to acquire Kaleb Proctor could make sense.
Huggins II commented on his profile, “Proctor is at his best when attacking gaps, slicing through the line of scrimmage, utilizing his quickness and agility to win half a man and be used on games/stunts. He is a very good hand-fighter with an outstanding first step get-off that will translate well to a scheme that allows him to be a penetrating disruptor along the interior.”
Proctor is undersized but explosive. His skill set requires a specific plan from the defensive coordinator and Brian Flores has been excellent at putting his guys in the right position to thrive.
“Teams that value movement over pure mass and anchoring ability will be best for his career arc. He is not an ideal fit for schemes that require their interior lineman to eat blocks, command double teams, and play gap-control.”
Proctor registered 9.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his final season at Southern Louisiana.
The Vikings need another body along the defensive line. Like Lance, Proctor is regarded as a mid-round pick.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.