The Chicago Bears are doing their due diligence on several prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is just over one month away, and De’Zhaun Stribling is the latest prospect linked to the reigning NFC North champions.
Stribling plays an intriguing position in relation to the Bears, but one that they created a need for this offseason.
It is fairly easy to see how he would fit into their plans on offense, though.
Bears Plan Meeting With Speedy Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling
De’Zhaun Stribling Would Check Boxes for Bears
“Source: Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling has visits set up with both the Chicago Bears & New England Patriots,” “Commanding The Huddle” host Ryan Fowler reported on X on March 19. “6’2”, 207 ran 4.36 in Indy. Excellent vertical ability with legit juice after the catch.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein believes Stribling could help a team immediately while ironing out the rougher parts of his game.
Specifically, Zierlein cited Stribling’s “struggles” with creating catch space and tight space grabs.
“Long-striding, vertical-access wideout with steady play and production. Stribling has good size and early acceleration to climb over the top of coverage but lacks short-area quickness to gain separation underneath. His downfield ball skills are above average,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile.
“He has legit speed after the catch once he finds open grass. He’s also one of the most competitive run blockers in the WR class. Stribling projects as an immediate WR4 who could eventually work his way into a starting role.”
The Bears have been all about adding speed where possible, as evidenced by their approach to free agency and the 2025 draft.
Stribling would add that and size to a Bears wide receiver room that is a bit of flux.
Bears Have New-Look WR Room
The Bears’ interest in Stribling is not surprising, even with 2025 second-round pick Luther Burden III officially joining 2024 first-rounder Rome Odunze in the starting lineup, both thanks to the trade sending DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills.
Chicago has second-year WR Jahdae Walker and fellow former undrafted free agent JP Richardson. Veteran Maurice Alexander, another former UDFA, is the most experienced holdover in terms of years of service.
The Bears signed former Detroit Lions receiver Kalif Raymond in free agency this offseason.
Only Odunze and Walker are listed at over 6-feet tall. That adds size to the speed and playmaking ability that Stribling would bring to the Bears if he fell to them in the draft.
