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Can De’Zhaun Stribling Be More than a Downfield Threat for the Commanders?
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 1: De'Zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels runs after a catch against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR
School: University of Mississippi | Conference: Southeastern Conference
College Experience: Senior| **Age:**23 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’2” / 207 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd Round
Player Comparison: Bigger Torrey Smith
College Statistics
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 4/22/2026.
Metrics
(via nfl.com)
Source: Gridiron Grading
Player Overview
De’Zhaun Stribling had a well-travelled career, playing for three teams in five years. Starting in Washington State, Sterling spent two seasons there before transferring to Oklahoma State for another two seasons, one injury-shortened. He played his last season for the Ole Miss Rebels. Stribling has been the model of consistency, averaging 10.7 yards per reception and five touchdowns in every full season he played. Stribling picked up the production in his last two seasons, totaling over 800 receiving yards and 6 TDs.
Stribling profiles as a big-bodied, developmental X receiver. He eats up space between his defender on vertical routes, catches the ball reliably, and is able to muscle through a couple of additional yards post-catch. His limitations are mostly on what he hardly did on the collegiate level. Scouts keyed in on De’zhaun’s limited release package and lack of sudden shiftiness. Stribling gets knocked around more than one would expect for a player with his body profile. His role in the pros will also be dependent on how effectively he can run non-vertical routes. All in all, Stribling is a Day 2-3 option in the upcoming draft, for a team who is looking for a vertical threat for their passing attack.
Awards & Recognition
- East-West Shrine Game Participant (2026)
Strengths
- Excellent hands, only one drop in 2025.
- Great long speed that he uses to be a vertical threat.
- Willing and capable blocker.
- Big body with a big catch radius.
- Able to break away from arm tackles.
Weaknesses
- Movement lacks suddenness
- Needs to fight more when catching contested balls.
- Simple release package.
- Mostly used as a vertical threat, not much route versatility.
- Production per game varies wildly.
Let’s See His Work
Interviews
How He Fits on the Commanders
If there are any hints to what David Blough wants in the passing attack, the signing of Dyami Brown could point to a more vertical-style attack. That would benefit a player like Stribling who brings a unique body frame profile to the wide receiver room. Not only is De’Zhaun a downfield specialist but also a willing run blocker. To reach his potential, the coaching staff will have to assist with his release package and his toughness. With coaching and natural ability, Stribling can be a future receiving playmaker and WR2 for the Commanders.
