{"id":852276,"date":"2026-04-04T00:10:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T00:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/852276\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T00:10:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T00:10:15","slug":"dezhaun-stribling-is-the-most-natural-wr-fit-in-green-bay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/852276\/","title":{"rendered":"De’Zhaun Stribling Is the Most Natural WR Fit In Green Bay"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Green Bay Packers have consistently prioritized wide receivers who bring a complete skillset to the field. It\u2019s not enough to be just a polished route runner or strictly a vertical threat. The Packers expect versatility and the ability to contribute in every phase, including as a blocker in the running game. With that in mind, Ole Miss\u2019 De\u2019Zhaun Stribling<\/a> might be the wide receiver prospect in this class who arguably most feels like a natural fit in Green Bay.<\/p>\n

De\u2019Zhaun Stribling made himself some money in the College Football Playoff<\/p>\n

Reliable hands, GREAT blocker, physical, dangerous vertically and after the catch pic.twitter.com\/trOYTpGn9D<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

De\u2019Zhaun Stribling brings reliability at the catch point, consistently finishing plays and limiting drops, as evidenced by his 1.8% drop rate<\/a> during the 2025 season. He also has plenty of college experience, logging over 3,000 snaps<\/a> across his stints with Washington State, Oklahoma State, and the Rebels.<\/p>\n

Athletically, he checks a lot of boxes, posting a 9.88 Relative Athletic Score<\/a> and translating that into real production down the field, averaging 17 yards per catch in 2024 while totaling 23 touchdowns over his career. He can stretch defenses and turn opportunities into explosive plays.<\/p>\n

When that Chris Bell clip went around like “I’d draft him just based off this play,” my first thought was this play from De’Zhaun Stribling because holy shit. <\/p>\n

The CB he’s toasting ran 4.38, and Stribling DUSTS him. pic.twitter.com\/iljzuKLw8F<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) March 30, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

His competitiveness shows up throughout his tape, especially in how he adjusts to the ball and finishes through contact in contested situations. That same mindset carries over to his work as a blocker, where he\u2019s more than willing to do the dirty work. His all-around profile reminds Todd McSay of Romeo Doubs<\/a> as a college prospect.<\/p>\n

Six plays, 101 seconds on Ole Miss WR De\u2019Zhaun Stribling \u2014 he went on a CFP heater (17-278-1 in 3 gms)! Some shades of Romeo Doubs (Doubs = slightly better routes at Nevada, but same size, similar play style and faster). *save your energy on camera work\/production value\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/B3DK0PVBnx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

There are some concerns with his profile, starting with the fact that he will already be 24 as a rookie, which naturally lowers the long-term developmental upside teams usually look for at the position. While he brings a well-rounded game, he doesn\u2019t consistently create separation from defenders, which is arguably the most important trait for a wide receiver to succeed at the highest level. Moreover, there is medical history to consider, most notably in 2023, when a wrist injury<\/a> limited him to just four games.<\/p>\n

Wide receiver arguably shouldn\u2019t be a priority in this draft. The Packers have a well-constructed room for the upcoming season with Jayden Reed<\/a>, Christian Watson<\/a>, Matthew Golden<\/a>, Savion Williams<\/a>, and Dontayvion Wicks<\/a>. However, only Williams and Golden are under contract beyond this year. So, while the group looks deep in the short term, the long-term outlook at the position is concerning.<\/p>\n

Still, wide receiver justifies early investment in the draft when you look at how the market has evolved across the league. Players like Jerry Jeudy<\/a>, Wan\u2019Dale Robinson<\/a>, Jakobi Meyers<\/a>, and Michael Pittman<\/a> Jr. are all earning<\/a> at least $17 million per year despite not being true top-tier options entering 2026. That highlights an inefficiency in how teams build rosters. The difference in production between elite and mid-tier receivers is often smaller than the difference in what teams pay them.<\/p>\n

Because of that, teams that can consistently draft and develop receivers on rookie contracts can generate surplus value, maintain cap flexibility, and avoid paying premium prices for replaceable production. Therefore, it\u2019s one of the smartest long-term strategies for sustaining a competitive roster.<\/p>\n

De\u2019Zhaun Stribling is currently ranked 149th on the consensus board<\/a>, but a team will likely take him early on Day 3. He checks a lot of the boxes teams look for at the position. He has size, he can run, and he contributes as a blocker in the run game. Stribling also creates after the catch and has been productive. When you put it all together, the profile matches what you typically see from receivers who find ways to stick and produce at the NFL level.<\/p>\n

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