Niners Nation on De'Zhaun Stribling

ArticleExplaining the biggest difference between the 2025 and 2026 49ersJuly 22, 2026

From the article

Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling adds a much-needed speed element, but in the form of a 6'2" and 200+ pounder. That body type can win over the middle, after the catch, and block the type of players the Niners couldn't last year, like linebackers and safeties.

STACKED’s take

Positive signalRole

Stribling's size-speed combo fills the 49ers' receiver blocking and physicality gap.

Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling adds a much-needed speed element at 6'2" and 200+ pounds, a body type that can win over the middle, generate yards after the catch, and block linebackers and safeties—the type of physical players the 49ers receivers failed to block effectively in 2025.