Patriots Draft Profile: Ole Miss WR De'Zhaun Stribling

Despite having arguably more pressing needs at several key positions, the New England Patriots continue to find themselves linked to many intriguing wide receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Following last month’s eye-opening release of two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs, NFL pundits have speculated as to the manner in which the Pats will fill the void left by his absence. Although New England added veteran wideout Romeo Doubs via free agency, some still believe that the club remains in the hunt for additional talent.

As an added backdrop, the Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles remain embroiled in trade rumors surrounding All-Pro receiver A.J. Brown. — recently drawing the reactions of both New England’s and Philly’s top brass.

Whether the Patriots acquire Brown’s services in the coming months is still a matter of conjecture. Still New England is likley to add talent to their depth chart via the upcoming draft. In that regard, a name which Patriots Nation may wish to keep in mind belongs to Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling.

De’Zhaun Stribling Would Add Vertical Prowess to the Patriots’ Offense

Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) reacts after the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Currently projected as a Day 2 selection, Stribling is still on the Patriots’ radar. In fact, he was reported to have planned a pre-draft visit with the Pats, according to NFL insider Tony Pauline. Having shown interest in the Rebels’ standout, New England appears to be, at least, considering the acquiring of a big, physical presence on the outside

Having spent portions of his college career with both Washington State and Oklahoma State, Stribling spent his final collegiate season with Mississippi. He played in all 15 games last season, compiling 55 receptions, 811 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.

Known for being a steady presence in the Rebels’ offense, Stribling uses his size and long stride to earn success along the boundary. In spite of his 6-foot-2, 207-pound frame, the Honolulu, HI native is capable of gaining early acceleration which allows him to get over the top of coverage. He is also a competent and competitive run blocker — a trait which would endear him to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Stribling is known to win his battles downfield, especially when attempting to make a play on the ball, While he could be considered a work-in-progress when it comes to finding his catch space, he has impressed scouts with his speed after the catch once he finds an opening. Based on his 4.36 second running of the 40 during the NFL Combine — combined with his 4.34 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.9 seconds in the three-cone drill — he should have little trouble doing so at the pro level.

At present, Stribling — or any added receiver — is set to join Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb on the team’s receivers depth chart. Given the unit's ability to work both with each other, as well as quarterback Drake Maye, the Pats’ receivers could be a formidable group in 2026,

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