{"id":594979,"date":"2026-04-20T05:19:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T05:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/594979\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T05:19:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T05:19:09","slug":"we-finally-know-why-the-bears-are-obsessed-with-dezhaun-stribling-heres-how","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/594979\/","title":{"rendered":"We Finally Know Why The Bears Are Obsessed With De’Zhaun Stribling \u2014 Here’s How"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wide receiver wasn\u2019t a position that many expected the Chicago Bears<\/a> 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\u2019ve seen the Bears meet with multiple receivers ahead of this draft. Yet none have generated more buzz than De\u2019Zhaun Stribling.<\/p>\n

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\u2019d think the Bears are trying to run a smokescreen to mask who they really like. Stribling being the only one suggests he\u2019s the one they like. At first glance, it\u2019s easy to see why. He\u2019s big and fast, which are typically two big prerequisites at the position for Johnson.<\/p>\n

Source: Ole Miss WR De\u2019Zhaun Stribling has visits set up with both the Chicago Bears & New England Patriots. <\/p>\n

6\u20192\u201d, 207 ran 4.36 in Indy. Excellent vertical ability with legit juice after the catch.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 19, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

However, the Bears\u2019 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\u2019t what is likely driving this interest. Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network added the crucial detail.<\/p>\n

Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling has become a popular draft name for the #Bears<\/a> in recent weeks.<\/p>\n

When I interviewed him at @PFSN365<\/a>, I asked him about his prowess as a blocker. Here’s what he said.<\/p>\n

“As a receiver, you get maybe seven targets a game. So out of 50 plays, what are\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/J1o2we4N3y<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 18, 2026<\/a> De\u2019Zhaun Stribling exemplifies the ideal Johnson wide receiver.<\/p>\n

In the time we\u2019ve seen the coach operate and heard his words, we\u2019ve learned some critical details about how he views his preferred receivers. He wants them to be at least 6\u20190\u2033 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\u2019s offense is built around running the football. Receivers are crucial to that. \u201cNo block, no rock,\u201d was the phrase Johnson used. Well, it sure sounds like Stribling has zero problems with that.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd25 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel<\/a> to hear Chicago legends tell stories you\u2019ve never seen in headlines \u2014 real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.<\/p>\n

Stribling feels like a bigger version of Raymond.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons the Bears brought the veteran in from Detroit was his team-first commitment and versatility. He\u2019s dangerous with the ball in his hands and fully commits on every block. The one problem has always been that he is only 5\u20198\u2033 and 180 lbs. De\u2019Shaun 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\u2019 best players in big games. They don\u2019t upset Georgia without his 122-yard performance.<\/p>\n

Taking a wide receiver in the 1st round is unlikely for the Bears. The options likely won\u2019t be ideal, and they have bigger fish to fry. All of that changes in the 2nd round. With how the stock of De\u2019Zhaun 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\u2019ll have to see if another team gets there first.<\/p>\n