The departure of wide receivers DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus has swung the door wide open for the Chicago Bears to select one during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Currently, the starting lineup includes Luther Burden and Rome Odunze at wide receiver, but the Bears need more help at the position to feel better about what they have. While they are not expected to go high in the draft, they could grab one late on Day 2 or early on Day 3.
ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler reported that Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling will meet with several teams, including the Bears. Stribling and the Bears met last month on a 30-visit, which can only indicate that there is serious interest from the team.
Bears are again talking to De'Zhaun Stribling before the draft
Stribling has proven himself to be a number-one receiver in college, racking up over 800 yards and six touchdowns in each of the last two years. He ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash during the offseason and has shown to have great speed for his 6-foot-2 height.
Jahdae Walker could very much be in the conversation for WR3 as well as newcomer Kalif Raymond. Stribling would face stiff competition at that position for playing time. It worked out well last year for Burden when he was a rookie with over 600 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL debut season.
Chicago is more than likely going very heavy on defense in the draft, but there will be spots where they select a wide receiver and an offensive tackle at some point. Stribling has been projected to be a late Day 2 to early Day 3 selection in the draft.
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The Bears need to do something at wide receiver, but must make sure they take care of the defense first. Bears general manager Ryan Poles, though, is all about best player available, so Stribling could fit that bill at some point.