With wide receiver being a position of need for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft, add another name to the list of prospects who the team has shown interest in. Ole Miss WR and 2026 NFL Draft prospect De’Zhaun Stribling revealed that he had a formal interview with the Steelers at this year’s NFL Combine, one of several teams that he met with both formally and virtually.
“I had formal interviews at the NFL Combine with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams,” Stribling said in an interview with NFL Draft on SI’s Justin Melo.
In 2025, Stribling recorded a career-high 55 receptions for 811 yards with six touchdowns. Stribling also touted his versatility as one of his strong suits.
“I showed a lot of versatility as well. I played inside a lot, and I played outside as well. I even played a little hybrid role. I was able to really showcase my speed at a high level. I made a bunch of contested catches. I highlighted my ability to play with physicality. I played a lot as a blocker. That’s not an easy job, especially in the SEC. Everyone is fast and physical, and yet I was still very effective as a blocker.”
Stribling impressed at the Combine, posting a 4.36 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical and a 10’7″ broad jump.
.@OleMissFB WR De’Zhaun Stribling is a 6-2 WR with 4.36 speed. Big target in the NFL Draft with 800+ yards in consecutive years 👀
👉 @DeZhaunTheGreat joins NFL Draft On SI for a pre-draft conversation:https://t.co/FOz9uIFv7Y
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 31, 2026
At 6’2″ and 207 pounds, Stribling has good size for an outside receiver and demonstrated an ability to win jump balls and handle physical coverage. He showed the ability to run multiple route concepts and showed good hands with minimal drops. A bit of a journeyman in college, Stribling demonstrated the ability to play in multiple offensive systems. He began his collegiate career at Washington State before transferring to Oklahoma State for two seasons and finishing up with one season at Ole Miss.
Stribling will need to improve his release against press coverage and work on improving separation against man coverage. A full scouting report can be found here.
Stribling projects as an early-to-mid day two draft pick. Even after acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade, wide receiver remains a need for the Steelers. Behind D.K. Metcalf and Pittman are unproven names like Roman Wilson and A.T. Perry or special teamers like Ben Skowronek. A player like Stribling could make sense on day two of the draft to slot into the lineup behind the bigger names and provide depth while also developing for a potential bigger role in the future.
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