Rookie Spotlight: De’Zhaun Stribling WR, Ole’ Miss

Height: 6-2

Weight: 207

Hands: 10 ⅛”

Arm: 31 ⅝””

40 yard dash: 4.38 (official)

2026 Age: 24

NFL Comparison: Rashee Rice, Tyquan Thornton

Other RW Staff Comps: Romeo Doubs

Breakout Age: 20 (SO)

Pros

• Blazing speed for a WR of his stature. Ran a 4.38 at the Combine.
• Gets to top speed quickly to stack defenders and is faster with the ball in hand.
• Big, strong hands that pluck the ball from the air. 
• One of the better blockers in the draft. 
• Has been productive at 3 different schools, Washington State, Oklahoma State and Ole’ Miss, topping out in 2025 with 55 rec for 811 yds and 6 TDs. 
• Can stretch the field – 17 YPC in 2024 and 2.15 YPRR in 2025
• Doesn’t shrink on the big stage – 199 yds in 2 CFP games against Georgia and Miami
• Can power through defenders with strong, high legs and strong momentum.
• Adjusts to the ball well without losing speed.

Cons

• Needs to win more in contested catch situations, especially considering his size and blocking ability.
• 3 school changes will raise questions about culture fit.
• Older for a rookie at 24.
• High hips
• Inconsistent on short and intermediate routes.

Fantasy Outlook: 

A comparatively underrated player in this draft cycle, Stribling displays exceptional athleticism for a player of his size and gets better with the ball in his hands. He’s a powerful, high-legged runner who can shake off would-be tacklers who he hasn’t already run past at that point. His impressive tape and top-notch production on the biggest stages will get him drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round by a team that needs a solid all-around receiver. Stribling can line up out wide or in the slot and still break away for a big gain, but he can develop into a starting Z – receiver if he adds play strength. As is, he’s a promising WR3 or WR4 from the get-go.

(TRASHMAN)