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De’Zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels looks on after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
The Los Angeles Rams may not land a big name from the remaining crop in free agency or via trade, but they are still looking to solidify their wide receiver corps, and De’Zhaun Stribling has landed on their radar.
Stibling is a long, speedy wide receiver, which is a position of strength for the Rams, who are loaded with playmakers at other positions, too.
However, the Rams are top-heavy at wideout, and Stribling could add a much-needed element.
Rams Show Interest in Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling
GettyDe’Zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels makes a catch against Daylen Everette #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal.
Stribling offers a tantalizing blend of size and speed, and his pre-draft plans–which include the Rams–underscore that reality. It also highlights just how competitive the market could be for him in the draft.
“I had formal interviews at the NFL Combine with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams. I’ve had a ton of virtual meetings, I’ve met with a lot of teams virtually, like the Seahawks, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, and Tennessee Titans, earlier this week,” Stribling told Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo in an interview published on March 31.
“In person, I am going to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots.”
Stribling raised eyebrows with his physical profile and back-to-back 800-plus-yard seasons.
Only one of those seasons came with the Rebels. Stribling spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He was a Washington State Cougar during the 2021 and 2022 campaigns.
Stribling has drawn strong reviews from draft evaluators, with his height-speed combination a common refrain.
De’Zhaun Stribling Possesses ‘Excellent Vertical Ability’
GettyDe’zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels makes a catch during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl.
“Commanding The Huddle” host Ryan Fowler reported in a post on X on March 19, noting the planned visits with the Bears and Patriots. “6’2”, 207 ran 4.36 in Indy. Excellent vertical ability with legit juice after the catch.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein called him a “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,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile. “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.”
Stribling posted a 216-2,964-23 line in college, but his blocking could also intrigue the Rams.
Rams Boast Deep WR Room
GettyDavante Adams #17 and Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams make their way back to the huddle against the Houston Texans.
Stribling would join a Rams wide receiver corps led by Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who led the NFL in receptions and touchdowns, respectively, during the 2025 regular season. But there is far less certainty behind them.
The Rams have nine receivers under contract as of March 31.
Of that group, five caught a pass for the Rams during the 2025 regular season, including Adams and Nacua. LA’s next three receivers combined for 46 receptions, 566 yards, and 1 touchdown.
The Rams ranked first in overall and scoring offense, so there is not necessarily a dire need for another receiver. However, the Rams’ interest in veterans via trade and the incoming class speaks volumes.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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