Bears Eyeing Ole Miss WR De'Zhaun Stribling in NFL Draft

Chicago scouts show strong interest in physical, blocking-focused receiver prospect

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the raw athleticism and physicality of a receiver prospect.A cubist interpretation of a physical, blocking-focused wide receiver prospect, reflecting the Bears' desire for versatile offensive weapons.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears have been heavily scouting and meeting with Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Stribling, a big and fast receiver at 6'2" and 207 lbs, is seen as a strong fit for the Bears' offense that emphasizes run blocking from its wideouts. The Bears have made it clear they value receivers who excel as blockers, and Stribling's prowess in that area has made him a top target for the team in the early rounds.

Why it matters

The Bears' trade of top receiver D.J. Moore has left them with a need at the position, and Stribling's combination of size, speed, and blocking ability make him an ideal fit for their offense under head coach Ben Johnson. If Stribling is available when the Bears pick in the second round, he could be a key addition to help support young quarterback Caleb Williams and the team's running game.

The details

The Bears have met privately with Stribling and had multiple scouts attend his Ole Miss pro day, signaling strong interest in the receiver. At 6'2" and 207 lbs, Stribling ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and has shown excellent vertical ability and skills after the catch. But it's his willingness and effectiveness as a blocker that has really caught the Bears' attention, as their offense under Johnson prioritizes receivers who excel in that area.

  • The Bears have met with Stribling ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place on April 23-25.
  • Stribling also has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the New England Patriots.

The players

De'Zhaun Stribling

A wide receiver prospect from Ole Miss who stands 6'2" and 207 lbs, ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, and is known for his blocking ability and performance in big games.

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears, who has emphasized the importance of wide receivers being strong blockers in his offense.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who has trusted the team's Southeast Area scout Ryan Cavanaugh's judgment on wide receiver prospects in the past.

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What they’re saying

“As a receiver, you get maybe seven targets a game. So out of 50 plays, what are you doing on the other 43 plays? You've got to be able to block.”

— De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss Wide Receiver

What’s next

If Stribling is available when the Bears pick in the second round, at either the 57th or 60th overall selection, he could be a prime target to bolster their receiving corps and provide a physical presence to support the running game.

The takeaway

The Bears' apparent focus on Stribling highlights their desire to find a big, physical receiver who excels as a blocker to fit their offense under coach Ben Johnson. Stribling's combination of size, speed, and blocking ability make him an ideal fit, and he could be a valuable second-round addition to help build around young quarterback Caleb Williams.