Wide receiver wasn’t a position that many expected the Chicago Bears to be focused on early in this draft. However, the trade of D.J. Moore has left some questioning whether that mindset is shared inside Halas Hall. Head coach Ben Johnson likes having multiple options, and Moore brought a specific skillset to the table that will be difficult to replace. We also must not forget the iffy health status of Rome Odunze, who is battling a nagging foot injury. That is likely why you’ve seen the Bears meet with multiple receivers ahead of this draft. Yet none have generated more buzz than De’Zhaun Stribling.
Out of all the draft prospects that the Bears have met privately ahead of April 23rd, only one of them has been a wide receiver. That is Stribling. This is interesting. If there were multiple names, you’d think the Bears are trying to run a smokescreen to mask who they really like. Stribling being the only one suggests he’s the one they like. At first glance, it’s easy to see why. He’s big and fast, which are typically two big prerequisites at the position for Johnson.
However, the Bears’ apparent obsession with Stribling seems to go deeper. They had multiple representatives at the Ole Miss pro day to watch him work out. Ryan Cavanaugh is their Southeast Area scout. General manager Ryan Poles has trusted his judgment at the position more than once, with Tyler Scott in 2023 and Luther Burden in 2025. However, that isn’t what is likely driving this interest. Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network added the crucial detail.
De’Zhaun Stribling exemplifies the ideal Johnson wide receiver.
In the time we’ve seen the coach operate and heard his words, we’ve learned some critical details about how he views his preferred receivers. He wants them to be at least 6’0″ tall and 200+ lbs. They should have at least adequate speed, an understanding of route-running concepts, and be good with the ball in their hands. However, the biggest selling point is their willingness to block. Johnson’s offense is built around running the football. Receivers are crucial to that. “No block, no rock,” was the phrase Johnson used. Well, it sure sounds like Stribling has zero problems with that.
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Stribling feels like a bigger version of Raymond.
One of the reasons the Bears brought the veteran in from Detroit was his team-first commitment and versatility. He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands and fully commits on every block. The one problem has always been that he is only 5’8″ and 180 lbs. De’Shaun Stribling has those same traits but in a significantly bigger body. That is where you start to see why Johnson and team would be interested. He has the physical tools, the unselfish demeanor, and was also one of the Rebels’ best players in big games. They don’t upset Georgia without his 122-yard performance.
Taking a wide receiver in the 1st round is unlikely for the Bears. The options likely won’t be ideal, and they have bigger fish to fry. All of that changes in the 2nd round. With how the stock of De’Zhaun Stribling is ascending, it feels like he is a surefire target for this team at either the 57th or 60th picks. A trio of him, Odunze, and Burden would certainly be excited as Caleb Williams continues his ascent at quarterback. We’ll have to see if another team gets there first.
