Tony Pauline projects Colts to select intriguing wideout with upcoming Round 2 pick in final NFL Mock Draft

Overview

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 but he struggles to consistently carve out catch space and fight through contested-catch contact for tight-coverage wins. 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.

With the Colts trading veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts are in the need of an upgrade on the outside opposite lucratively re-signed lead wide receiver Alec Pierce. After reading Stribling’s draft overview, it’s not hard to see some similarities between the departed Pittman Jr. and him in playing style—although he’s quite a bit faster with a blistering 4.36 forty time, but in turn, sacrifices some size.

Earlier this offseason, the Colts did sign veteran wideout Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but he may be more ideally served as a rotational depth piece among their receiving corps.

Given the obvious positional need and fit, Stribling is certainly a name to watch for the Colts within the 2nd round of this year’s NFL Draft.