The San Francisco 49ers took some flak for their selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team's second-round pick, wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, was especially criticized, as many expected him to be a mid-round pick.
However, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have proven they don't care about consensus rankings. If they like a player, and think he'll be a good fit, they're going to draft him.
It's hard to criticize that strategy considering the amount of success that duo has had in San Francisco. And Stribling has already been making people look foolish for calling him a reach.
Stribling has Been Awesome at Training Camp
Practically every reporter who has been at training camp has made note of Stribling's performance. The receiver has even earned the praise of his coaching staff, which isn't always common for rookies.
“I love him. He's very mature for a young guy. He's learned the book. He's learned the formations. He does things right,” said acting head coach Chris Foerster. “He makes plays. He's fast. He's physical. He's got really, really good hands."
This is a great sign. The receiver has been catching everything that's come his way, and his blend of size and speed make him one of the most intriguing players on the roster.
Stribling's best day at camp was last Wednesday. Stribling caught five passes that day, including an impressive snag over the middle for a big gain.
With Ricky Pearsall out for the year, the 49ers will need Stribling to hold his own as a rookie. Luckily, the rookie looks the part so far. Playing next to future Hall of Famer Mike Evans certainly helps as well, and the rookie will have plenty of chances to prove he belongs in 2026.
How Good can Stribling be in 2026?
Stribling had a productive college career, spending two seasons at Washington State, two at Oklahoma State, and one at Ole Miss. During his final year at Ole Miss, Stribling played in 15 games and caught 55 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns.
Overall, Stribling caught 216 passes for just under 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in college. The receiver is big and strong enough to work through contact and catch contested balls, but he's also fast enough to get open over the middle.
Even before the Pearsall injury, Stribling was going to be important, but now, he's going to be a crucial piece. We know Evans will start, and Deebo Samuel will play a big role after being brought back this offseason. But Christian Kirk has been banged up this offseason, so it wouldn't be surprising if Stribling starts out as WR3.
