Chicago Bears must listen to latest 2026 NFL Draft intel on Day 2 wide receiver target before it’s too late to act
The Chicago Bears have only been confirmed to meet with one wide receiver prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in Ole Miss’ De’Zhaun Stribling, who might end up going higher than many expected.
As the Chicago Bears get set for the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicks off two weeks from today, I’m leaning more and more toward the idea that head coach Ben Johnson will add a new weapon to his offense in some capacity.
I do expect the Bears to attack the defensive side of the ball multiple times within the first two days of the draft and wouldn’t be shocked if a pass catcher (either WR or TE) is drafted by the Bears on Day 2.
My ideal target is Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, saying he’s on the board with the 57th overall pick in the second-round. Another Day 2 option is Ole Miss’ De’Zhaun Stribling, who’s actually the only WR prospect to have a confirmed 30-visit with Chicago.
Ole Miss WR and Bears 30-visit prospect De’Zhaun Stribling is quickly rising up the board
The interest in Stribling is obvious. He’s a 6-2 wide receiver that ran a 4.36 40-yard-dash at the NFL Combine and by all reports a high character. According to our own A to Z Sports draft expert Ryan Roberts, Stribling has crushed every stage of the pre-draft process and expected to go much higher than many expected.
“I have spoken to scouts from two different teams who have second round grades on Stribling. At this point, I think he’s solidified Day Two (rounds 2-3) status, and don’t be surprised if he goes inside of the top-75, if not higher.”
Ryan Roberts
A to Z Sports
The Bears hold the 57th and 60th overall picks in the second-round along with the 86th overall pick in the third-round. If the Bears indeed view Stribling as a potential Day 2 target and strong fit in head coach Ben Johnson’s offense, the team would have to pull the trigger early, possibly with one of the two second-round picks.
If the Bears wait until the 86th overall pick to draft Stribling, they might get poached by another team and be left without a top fit at the position.
The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler had Stribling listed as the 11th-ranked wide receiver on The Beast highlighting his toughness, willingness to block, and pro mindset. All of those traits should appeal to the Bears’ head coach if he’s looking to add another rookie pass catcher to the locker room.
He’s a fun player to consider but picking him at 57 or 60 seems rich to me. He would, however, be a strong trade back target if the Bears look to move back from one of their two second-round picks and slide back into the early third-round.
If the Bears really like the player and his fit, I wouldn’t blame the decision-makers if they decide to reach higher to make sure he lands in Chicago.
