The Carolina Panthers have set things up perfectly before the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Dan Morgan solved some critical needs with big splashes in free agency, meaning the franchise can take the best prospects available to give their ambitious plans another significant shot in the arm.
This is the best position to be in. Defensive reinforcements have taken center stage so far. Quarterback Bryce Young's supporting cast — the skill positions, in particular — must command the attention they deserve with dynamic prospects from the college ranks.
And one wide receiver possibility who's drawn interest from the Panthers during his pre-draft process made it crystal clear what he could bring to Carolina.
Carolina Panthers doing homework on De'Zhaun Stribling, who believes he can make an instant impact
Ole Miss wideout De'Zhaun Stribling revealed to Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated that he's spoken virtually with Carolina's wide receivers coach, Rob Moore. He's also confident of making an impact right out of the gate, which centers on his speed, versatility, and physicality both before and after the catch.
"My versatility is going to bring a lot to an NFL offense. I can play any receiver spot. That’s going to make me a huge asset. My speed, especially when I have the ball in my hands, makes me a threat in the open field.
"I think my overall physicality goes a long way. I can block at a high level. My football IQ is off the charts. I’ve played in multiple offenses at different programs. I learned every playbook very quickly and was able to contribute. All of those skills are going to translate at a high level."
It's not hard to see why Stribling is attracting considerable attention. He's got the size and length to create mismatches, matched by blazing speed that stretches the field effortlessly. His transfer to the Rebels went extremely well last season, helping the program reach the college football playoffs with 55 receptions for 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Stribling's ability to generate an early cushion off the line of scrimmage is another big positive working in his favor. If the pass-catcher can work on being more explosive out of his routes, someone is going to have a tremendous asset on their hands.
The Panthers were eager to find out more. They have also been burned before on Day 2 of the draft by an athletically gifted Ole Miss receiver who couldn't put it all together in the pros.
Jonathan Mingo never came close to meeting expectations. Putting Stribling in the same category just because they came from the same program is unfair. If the Panthers go in a different direction at No. 19 overall, he might be on the shortlist.
Time will tell, but this could certainly help.