Wide receiver is widely considered to be an area of need for the New Orleans Saints as they head into the 2026 NFL Draft. Most expect the Saints to select a wideout in the first or second day, but don't be surprised if they come out of the draft with two receivers. If so, keep an eye on Mississippi Rebels playmaker De'Zhaun Stribling as either a Day 2 or early Day 3 addition.
Wide receiver Chris Olave is coming off the best year of his career and likely gets a contract extension this offseason. Beyond Olave, there are major questions at this position. Devaughn Vele and Ja'Lynn Polk are each in the mix, but both are relatively unproven. The rest of the position is made up of cast-offs or practice squad players with minimal past production. Stribling has been somewhat overlooked in a fairly deep wideout class, but has the ability to make an instant impact for an NFL team.
A three-star recruit at Kapolei High School in Hawaii, Stribling was lured stateside to start his college career with the Washington State Cougars. He'd pull in 44 passes for 471 yards and 5 scores as a redshirt freshman in 2021. Playing with future first overall draft choice Cam Ward in 2022, Stribling led the Cougars with 602 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on 51 catches. He'd enter the transfer portal after that season, winding up with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Stribling was only able to play in four games during the 2023 season because of a hand injury. He'd bounce back in the Cowboys wide open attack in 2024, leading the team with 882 yards through the air while catching 52 passes for 6 scores. After that season, he landed with the Mississippi Rebels via the transfer portal. Stribling was a major part of the Ole Miss attack and crucial in their CFP run. He had 55 receptions for 811 yards and led the team with 5 touchdowns through the air.
Creates downfield separation with burst and long stride
Hasn't shown the quickness to get immediate separation
Needs to be more aggressive when finding the open spot in zones
Projections for De'Zhaun Stribling are erratic; anywhere from a second round selection to being available early into the third day. While not mentioned often enough in national circles, Stribling is an all-around talent that will contribute to an offense in several ways. He might need to add some strength and will need to slip press coverage better, but has shown that he can be a playmaker at all three levels of the field.
New Orleans desperately needs more playmakers for quarterback Tyler Shough. Adding at least one more receiver will also free up more opportunities for Olave. Stribling, no matter what round he's drafted, should be able to be at least a productive third receiver in quick fashion and may round into a quality number two in a timely manner.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Ole Miss WR De'Zhaun Stribling scouting report