The Indianapolis Colts will simply need to approach every game in the 2026 season as if veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman is hurt. How would Indy have played without him in the past? Head coach Shane Steichen would have needed to adjust his play-calling a bit.
Getting used to not having Pittman will feel weird. He had missed a total of three games over the previous five seasons, and not more than one a year. He was seemingly always around and not explosive, but a reliable option for his quarterback. Now, he is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers after Indy dealt him this offseason.
His true replacement might not be on the roster...yet. In a recent mock draft by ESPN's Jordan Reid, though, Indianapolis might land a good replacement for Pittman in the third round in the person of Ole Miss's De'Zhaun Stribling. He is slightly under Pittman's size, but has many of the same other traits.
ESPN mocks wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling to the Indianapolis Colts in the third round
Plus, the slight part is true. Pittman was listed at 6'4" and 223 pounds. Stribling is 6'2 1/2" and 210 pounds. If the Colts need a possession receiver like Pittman, Stribling has the size to do that. The key is that Stribling is faster than Pittman.
Jordan Reid wrote of Stribling that the receiver "is capable of being a three-level threat at any wide receiver spot and would be a perfect match for Shane Steichen's offense."
The Mississippi product, who attended three different schools during his college career, has been timed at 4.36 in the 40-yard dash and has a 10-yard split of a good 1.53. He is more than athletic enough to make a positive impact eventually and keep doing so over many years. For a third-round choice, he would be a steal.
He does have a few things to work on. His ability to outmuscle defensive backs for 50/50 balls is in question, though he could greatly develop that skill in the NFL. He also needs to perfect his route tree, especially on intermediate throws. This isn't something specific to him, though; many wide receivers entering the league have to learn that skill.
He was consistent in his production in college, which is a good sign. In each of the last two seasons, he averaged at least 14.7 yards per reception, which indicates his ability to get open deep, and had six touchdown receptions each year.
De'Zhaun Stribling won't have immediate expectations to be a high-producer, and that is a good thing. He will have time to develop behind Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and others. He would, at best, be a fourth option as a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, as tight end Tyler Warren could see the most targets. By 2027, though, Stribling could be a good WR2 next to Pierce.
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