Niners Nation on De'Zhaun Stribling

Article49ers’ rookie De’Zhaun Stribling is getting more respect by the week
Read the full article

From the article

2026's De'Zhaun Stribling, the pick itself seemed to be an absolute mixed bag when it comes to fans' reactions. Most called it a reach—at best. And then he came to OTAs, and after everyone was done blasting the pick, reports came that he may have been off the board a couple picks later anyway. Now we have comparisons of Stribling to the likes of Chris Godwin Jr., and that an NFL team had him ranked higher than Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon.

STACKED’s take

Positive signalSleeper

Stribling's stock rising; sleeper for Offensive Rookie of the Year despite draft-day criticism.

2026 49ers rookie with rising draft stock despite initial mixed fan reaction; combine metrics (4.36 40-yard dash, 6-foot-2) and college production (55 catches, 811 yards, 6 TDs at Ole Miss) support sleeper candidacy for Offensive Rookie of the Year; an NFL team ranked him higher than Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon; comparisons drawn to Chris Godwin Jr. for skill set and role potential.

De'Zhaun Stribling headshotDe'Zhaun StriblingSFPlayer page — value, ADP, projections, and every insight

More on De'Zhaun Stribling and from Niners Nation