Rams could find an ideal wide receiver fit with an under-the-radar prospect

Although the Los Angeles Rams already have two elite receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, it has been clear this offseason that the team wants to add another star to the room. That has led to fans and media members thinking about L.A. possibly trading for A.J. Brown, or drafting one of the high-profile receiver prospects in the first round.

While those options are on the table, the Rams’ best bet may be finding a mid-round gem. According to ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid, there’s an ideal candidate who the team will be able to target on day two of the draft. That prospect is De'Zhaun Stribling out of Ole Miss.

Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling named ideal fit for Rams

While Stribling isn’t one of the top receiver prospects who have dominated pre-draft conversations, he is a player with the kind of tools necessary to thrive in Sean McVay’s offense. For that reason, he’s an intriguing option for Los Angeles, according to Reid.

"In an offense that requires versatility in its receivers, [De'Zhaun] Stribling's slot and outside capabilities make him an ideal fit in coach Sean McVay's offense. With strong hands and the ability to win across the route tree, he could go off the board as early as Round 3."

Jordan Reid (ESPN)

Stribling is coming off a five-year college career that saw him start at Washington State, play two years at Oklahoma State, and finish things off with the Rebels at Ole Miss. The receiver was productive the whole way, though, finishing his college career with 216 receptions for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns in 56 games.

Now, he’s making the leap to the NFL, where he’s expected to be a mid-round pick. At 6-foot-2, 207 pounds, the receiver has the ability to play inside and out, and Reid believes that versatility will make him an enticing name on the board for Los Angeles.

While fans probably have their sights set on the bigger-name receiver prospects like Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson, Rams fans should know that elite receivers can be found anywhere in the draft. Puka Nacua was a fifth-round selection back in 2023, and De'Zhaun Stribling could be Los Angeles’ next mid-round steal.