NFL Draft Profile: Ole Miss’ De’Zhaun Stribling Will Go Sooner Than Anticipated originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots can take their pick of positions to address during the 2026 NFL Draft.

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It’s easy to see them targeting someone who can rush the passer, depth options at linebacker and/or tight end, competition along the offensive line, someone who can provide a spark to the skill position group, and… well, pretty much anything else you can think of.

I just don’t think they can do it all…

If the club intends on putting itself in a position to regularly contend, it will need to prioritize things perfectly and put together another superb draft class — which might just include Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling:

Bio:

De’Zhaun Stribling
School: Ole Miss
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 207 lbs
Hand: 10″
Arm: 31 5/8″
Scouting Combine: 4.36 (40), 36″ (Vertical), 10′ 7″ (Broad)
2025 Stats: 15 G, 55 REC, 811 REC YDS, 6 TD

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Pros: 

Stribling racked up frequent flier miles during his collegiate career, spending time at Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss. I’d usually mention that as a knock, but it’s hard to hate on someone who had seasons of at least 50 receptions, 600 receiving yards, and five touchdowns at each stop…

DOESN’T WASTE ANY TIME GETTING INTO HIS ROUTES

ADJUSTS WELL TO THE FOOTBALL, BACK SHOULDER IS HIS BREAD AND BUTTER

INCREDIBLE IN SPACE, CAN OUTRUN ALMOST ANYONE ON SLANTS/GO BALLS

HAS A PLAN, ISN’T EASILY DETERRED OFF ROUTES

Cons: 

Stribling’s game is rather linear, which brings about questions as to what his role will be and whether or not there is space for him in an offense that asks its receivers to be multiple.

HIS GAME RELIES ON STICKING OUTSIDE

WOULD LIKE FOR HIM TO PLAY STRONGER AT THE CATCH POINT

CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT

Grade and Player Comparison: 

Stribling isn’t a fit for everyone, despite being exactly that across three different schools during his collegiate career. If he’s going to catch on, he will need to be given opportunities to work on the outside of consistent contributors — whether those come in the form of slot receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc.

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If he finds that role, the sky could be the limit.

GRADE: 77/100
PLAYER COMP: Jalen Tolbert

The Patriots ______ De’Zhaun Stribling:

“must have a plan for”

New England has clear and obvious interest in the player, as it met with him on two separate occasions and brought him in on an official pre-draft visit.

Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams are expected to compete for the lion’s share of reps on the outside, however. Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III are options on the inside, so versatility from those other players won’t be as important. The Patriots are probably tantalized by the sheer talent, but they will need a plan if they intend on making the soon-to-be rookie a contributor.

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More NFL: Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026