Rotational third receiver favorite; long-term X option with Shanahan-scheme fit.

Matt Harmon assesses Stribling as at best a rotational receiver for the 49ers in 2024, drafted first pick of the second round (33rd overall). Harmon projects him as the favorite to be the third receiver this year, capable of playing all three receiver positions (X, Z, slot). Harmon expects Stribling to play inside-out with Ricky Pearsall, with both operating in intermediate areas alongside Mike Evans. Long-term, Harmon views Stribling as the primary X receiver, though this year he'll be rotational. Harmon notes Stribling has plus traits—excellent at catch point, good with ball in hands, can play X credibly—and was a coaches' favorite despite being perceived as a reach by the public. Harmon identifies Stribling as a potential replacement for Jauan Jennings in the big slot flanker role; Stribling's blocking ability, receiving success rates (68% vs press, 83% on dig routes, 81% on slants), contested catch rate (70%), and 2.2% drop rate align well with Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme. He breaks tackles after the catch, has good hands, and runs routes over the middle of the field—traits that fit the Shanahan receiver profile. Harmon views Stribling as a slight reach at 33rd overall, noting he personally had Stribling as a good day two pick rather than early second-round; he would have taken Denzel Boston ahead of Stribling, though he acknowledges the 49ers' draft logic. Albert Breer's historical parallel notes that the 49ers were criticized for taking Deebo Samuel at 33 overall similarly, but some really good offensive coaches liked Samuel more than the public knew—suggesting Stribling, also perceived as a reach, may have been a coaches' favorite and could outperform draft expectations.