The 2026 NFL offseason is here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2025 NFL draft.
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
HT: 6’2
WT: 208 lbs
Video:
Pros:
- Release/Vertical Threat: Closes cushion quickly off the line; corners in off coverage struggle to recover once he gets into his stride
- Hands/Ball Skills: Extends naturally and finishes away from his frame, especially on downfield targets
- Route Craft: Flashes nuance, highlighted by a well-sold double move vs. Tulsa (2024) that created a 63-yard touchdown
- Deep Tracking: Locates and adjusts to vertical throws over his shoulder without breaking stride
- YAC Ability: Slips contact with spin moves and shows spatial awareness to set up the next lane
- Tempo/Zone Feel: Controlled pacing on curls, hitches, and comebacks; finds and settles into soft spots versus zone
- Blocking Effort: Competitive in the run game; willing to engage and match up with safeties
- Development Curve: Clear year-over-year improvement, with 2024–2025 tape showing significant growth from earlier seasons
Cons:
- Change of Direction: High hips and longer stride make him labored in and out of breaks, especially on in-breaking routes
- Press/Release Issues: Patient, physical corners can disrupt his timing and steer him off his stem early
- Play Strength/Ball Contests: Struggles to hold his line through contact; can be knocked off balance at the catch point
- Acceleration Profile: Build-up speed limits his immediate burst, delaying his ability to stress defenders vertically
- Release Package: Limited variety; leans heavily on foot quickness and a swipe, needs added counters vs. press
- Profile/Projection Questions: Older prospect with multiple transfers, which may create concerns about long-term upside
Summary:
Stribling is at his best when he’s pushing vertically and punishing corners who give him space. Against off or bail technique, he chews up cushion quickly with his stride length and puts defenders into recovery mode almost immediately. His 75-yard grab against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl was a clean example—he stacked the corner, located the ball over his shoulder, and finished without breaking stride. He also shows a solid feel on intermediate routes, particularly crossers and deep comebacks, where he works to the proper depth and finds space against zone looks. His hands are reliable in traffic, which supports his ability to finish plays downfield. There’s still work to do in the short-area game, as his breaks can be a bit upright and delayed, but his strengths show up consistently and at a level that can translate early.
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