Could De’Zhaun Stribling Be Rams’ Day-Two gem?
Under the radar WR targets who could be mid round steals for the Rams featuring De’Zhaun Stribling
The Los Angeles Rams already boast an elite wide receiver room with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Yet the team still hunts for another playmaker, and De’Zhaun Stribling jumps onto that radar early. Because he blends size and route polish, Stribling fits a Sean McVay offense.
Finding impact receivers outside round one has become common, and the Rams know this firsthand. For example, Puka Nacua arrived as a fifth round pick and quickly excelled. Therefore targeting a mid round gem makes strategic sense as the front office balances cost and upside.
This piece breaks down under the radar options who could be mid round steals for Los Angeles. Moreover, we will analyze tape, measurables, and scheme fit for prospects such as Stribling. Read on to see a focused scouting angle. Expect optimistic takes on how a day two pick could help the passing game.
This introduction leads into player profiles and tape breakdowns.
De’Zhaun Stribling: Background and versatility
De’Zhaun Stribling traveled a unique college route that refined his skill set. He began at Washington State, moved to Oklahoma State for two seasons, and finished at Ole Miss. That path shows adaptability and exposure to different passing systems.
Key stats and measurables
- 216 receptions, 2,964 yards, 23 touchdowns in 56 career games.
- 6-foot-2, 207 pounds; a prototypical build for a mid-round receiver.
- Versatile alignments: inside slot work and boundary outside snaps.
- Route polish, contested catch ability, and reliable hands on third down.
- Expected mid-round pick, with day two upside as a mid-round gem.
Why the Rams should care
Stribling fits Sean McVay’s offense because he can create matchup problems. He can stretch the seam and also win quick inside throws. Therefore he helps diversify the Rams’ playbook behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. As a result, he could contribute early in sub packages and move the chains regularly. Moreover, his size and body control make him a dependable red zone target.
In short, Stribling’s background, size, and versatility give him clear value. For the Rams, he represents a cost-effective, high-upside option on day two.
Scouts praise his route separation and competitive catch radius. Because he played in multiple systems, Stribling adapts quickly to new playbooks.
Quick comparison: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and De’Zhaun Stribling
| Player | Height | Weight | College production | Playing style | Draft projection | Fit in Sean McVay’s offense |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puka Nacua | About 6-foot-1 | ~205 pounds | Late round pick who quickly produced at the NFL level; college production strong at BYU | Explosive route runner, quick separation, yards after catch threat | Fifth round (2023) | Immediate chain mover and slot/field boundary option; complements primary receivers |
| Davante Adams | About 6-foot-1 | ~215 pounds | Highly productive at Fresno State; perennial elite NFL target | Physical contested catch specialist, precise route runner | Established veteran | Alpha receiver role; primary red zone target and clear WR1 |
| De’Zhaun Stribling | 6-foot-2 | 207 pounds | 216 receptions, 2,964 yards, 23 TDs in 56 games | Versatile inside/outside weapon, contested catches, route polish | Mid-round prospect, projected day two | Fits as a complementary weapon who can play slot and boundary, add red zone ability and matchup flexibility |
Mid round WR gems and the Rams draft strategy
The Rams have shown they can find high value outside early rounds. For example, Puka Nacua arrived as a fifth round pick in 2023 and produced immediately. Therefore the front office now treats mid round receivers as viable, cost effective options.
Because Sean McVay prizes versatility, a player who can slide inside and outside gains value. Consequently De’Zhaun Stribling becomes a clear target in that framework. He offers size, route polish, and contested catch ability, and he can join established stars without needing a full feature role.
How mid round gems fit Los Angeles
- Cost control matters: mid round picks reduce salary risk, and they expand roster flexibility.
- Immediate role chance: players like Nacua show the team will play talented rookies early.
- Complementary skills win: the Rams mix precise route runners and contested catchers to diversify targets.
- Special teams upside: many mid round receivers contribute on special teams early, and that boosts roster value.
Stribling as a practical example
De’Zhaun Stribling posted 216 receptions for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns across 56 collegiate games. He stands 6 foot 2 and weighs 207 pounds, and his tape shows reliable hands in traffic. Moreover his experience at Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss proves he can learn and adapt to new schemes quickly.
Sean McVay will scheme matchups relentlessly, and therefore a versatile receiver can multiply the offense. With Davante Adams as the alpha and Puka Nacua as a playmaker, Stribling could slide into sub packages. As a result he would create favorable matchups, aid third down conversions, and add red zone threat.
In short, the Rams have a blueprint for finding mid round receivers who become productive. Given that history, Stribling fits the profile of a day two steal who can contribute early and grow into a consistent weapon.
De’Zhaun Stribling profiles as the kind of mid-round gem the Rams can plug into their offense. He pairs size, contested catch ability, and route polish with proven college production. Because he can play inside and outside, he would complement Davante Adams and Puka Nacua immediately.
Moreover, Stribling offers cost controlled upside on day two of the draft. He can contribute on third down and in the red zone while he develops. Therefore the Rams gain roster flexibility and matchup options without overspending.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes De’Zhaun Stribling a viable mid-round target for the Rams?
De’Zhaun Stribling combines size, production, and versatility. He posted 216 receptions for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns in 56 games. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds he can win contested catches. He aligns inside and outside, so Sean McVay can use him immediately. Therefore he fits a mid-round value profile.
How would Stribling complement Puka Nacua and Davante Adams?
Stribling provides matchup flexibility. He can work the slot on third down, and play the boundary in red zone sets. As a result, Adams remains the alpha and Nacua keeps his playmaker role. Stribling adds depth and schematic wrinkles.
Is Stribling expected to be a day two pick?
Yes. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid lists him as a mid-round candidate. Scouts project day two upside because of his tape and size. Consequently teams that target versatile receivers should value him.
Have the Rams found similar mid-round gems before?
Yes. Puka Nacua was a fifth round selection in 2023 who produced quickly. Therefore the Rams have a recent blueprint for developing mid-round wideouts. That history boosts confidence in targeting Stribling.
What is Stribling’s likely immediate impact?
Expect special teams snaps early, third down work, and red zone targets. He can move the chains and create tough matchups. Ultimately he offers low cost and high upside for Los Angeles.