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Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on De'Zhaun Stribling
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about De'Zhaun Stribling.
80
Insights
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Positive
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Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about De'Zhaun Stribling
PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Stribling was one of the team's trio of starting wideouts and posted another strong preseason line of four catches for 46 yards; he is still the favorite for WR3 duties in San Francisco, but that could be a very limited role early in the season.PositiveBreakoutAug 23, 2026
The 49ers rookie wide receiver has shifted from skeptical preseason narrative to optimistic after two preseason games, including three catches in the win against the Chargers that stood out. Quarterback Brock Purdy praised Stribling's consistency, intelligence, and trustworthiness, noting great chemistry and tough catch-making ability. Tight end George Kittle highlighted Stribling's zero-ego mindset, work ethic, and coachability—asking questions and absorbing information from veterans. Stribling's humility and commitment to his role ("just doing my 1-11") suggest he won't quit routes or lose focus when not targeted, positioning him as a potential contributor when the regular season begins.PositiveBreakoutAug 23, 2026
The 49ers rookie wide receiver is emerging as a capable backup amid San Francisco's injury-plagued receiver room; finished with four catches for 46 yards in limited action against the Chargers, positioning himself as a potential contributor given injuries to Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall.PositiveProjectionAug 23, 2026
The 49ers rookie sensation finished with four catches for 46 yards amid limited action against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night. The source notes that 'the backups have been showing up, especially so against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night,' suggesting Stribling is making an impression despite injuries to the team's top three projected wide receivers (Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall).NegativeInjuryAug 23, 2026
Cornerback De'Zhaun Stribling is listed as day-to-day, indicating he is not expected to miss significant practice time.NegativeInjuryAug 22, 2026
Rookie wide receiver sustained a shoulder injury during Thursday's preseason game; considered day-to-day and did not practice on Saturday.NegativeDepth ChartAug 22, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling is a rookie in the 49ers' deep and competitive wide receiver room alongside veteran Mike Evans and Jacob Cowing.PositiveBreakoutAug 21, 2026
49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling (No. 33 overall pick, 2026 NFL Draft) has impressed in preseason despite the absence of Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel Sr. In his second consecutive preseason game, Stribling caught 4 of 5 targets for 46 yards, all in the first quarter; in his prior game, he led San Francisco with 63 yards on 7 receptions, all in the first half. He is the first player in at least 20 years to total 11 catches within the first 20 minutes of two consecutive preseason games, surpassing the previous record of 10 set by Dez Bryant (2013 Cowboys) and Demaryius Thomas (2014 Broncos).PositiveBreakoutAug 21, 2026
The rookie continued his fine play and is proving who he is, regardless of which quarterback is on the field. The hype train is flying down the track for Stribling, though it would have been nice to bring in the potential touchdown pass.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
The source notes Stribling's slot usage dropped from 70% in Week 1 to 42% in Week 2. The source identifies a drop on a would-be touchdown pass from Mac Jones where Stribling didn't pick up the pass until the very last second, and a play where Stribling hesitated as a blocker resulting in a stuff. However, the source concludes Stribling had a clean outing overall, winning at every spot on different routes, catching both contested catches, and running through a tackle after one catch. The source characterizes him as advertised.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Stribling was the standout of the 49ers offense for a second consecutive week, catching 4 of 5 targets for 46 yards. More importantly, he developed strong rapport with Brock Purdy; on Purdy's lone drive with six attempts, three went to Stribling and all three were caught, with two converting third downs. The source emphasizes this is significant given the 49ers were without Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Mike Evans, meaning Stribling stepped in to get reps with Purdy that Evans would normally receive. With Evans not practicing much, Stribling and the rookie are likely to share the field plenty in the regular season.PositiveBreakoutAug 21, 2026
Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling shined in the preseason win over the Chargers, contributing to the 49ers' offensive performance.PositiveBreakoutAug 21, 2026
The 2026 second-round pick out of Ole Miss continues his superb summer with four catches for 46 yards in the preseason game against the Chargers, showing a decided advantage against Los Angeles' secondary in man coverage and serving as a go-to target for both Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. He had a team-best seven catches for 63 yards in San Francisco's preseason opener, demonstrating consistent early-season production despite dropping a ball that might've resulted in a touchdown late in the first quarter.PositiveUsageAug 21, 2026
Stribling, a 49ers rookie, caught multiple passes from Brock Purdy on the opening drive for first-down receptions, showing early offensive involvement.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
Stribling caught four passes for 46 yards including a 21-yard third-down conversion, lining up at multiple spots and running four different routes. However, he dropped a would-be touchdown after beating a Chargers defensive back on a double move despite a perfect pass from Mac Jones, and was not the most impressive rookie in the game.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Stribling has played himself into the starting lineup; the second-round rookie with sticky hands hauled in 4 catches for 46 yards on 5 targets in the preseason game, including 2 first downs, and has now caught 11 of 13 possible targets for 108 yards through two preseason games; he checked off an important box by establishing in-game rapport with starting quarterback Brock Purdy.PositiveBreakoutAug 21, 2026
Stribling, the 49ers' top pick in the 2026 draft at wide receiver, has made among the strongest impressions during preseason despite the team being widely panned for the selection. The source notes this as a positive sign for the 2026 draft class, though it also highlights how difficult draft evaluation can be.PositiveBreakoutAug 21, 2026
49ers rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling has impressed in preseason action, catching 7 passes in under 20 minutes in week 1 without starters, then 3 catches on the 49ers' first 9 plays against the Chargers with Brock Purdy in week 2. He demonstrated strong hands on contested catches and separation ability, finishing with 4 catches for 46 yards in over a quarter of action. The 49ers selected him with the first pick of the second round despite being mocked for the selection and not being ranked by many experts ahead of receivers like Denzel Boston; early preseason returns suggest the team's evaluation was correct.PositiveBreakoutAug 21, 2026
Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, a 2026 NFL Draft selection, has been making his mark on the 49ers and moving up the depth chart; he is expected to see snaps in both the preseason and regular season. He is listed as a 2nd-string wide receiver on the projected 2026 depth chart.PositiveProjectionAug 20, 2026
Stribling caught all three passes from Brock Purdy for 25 yards in one series, and quickly caught a 21-yard pass from Mac Jones on the third play of a drive, demonstrating early chemistry with multiple quarterbacks and the ability to execute in game situations.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
49ers rookie WR showed ability to track the ball and make contested catches in preseason win over Chargers; caught 4 of 5 targets for 46 yards in second outing. Over two preseason games, Stribling has caught 11 of 13 targets for 109 yards, demonstrating strong hands and route-running ability. Kyle Shanahan praised his talent but noted he must improve on a dropped deep ball that would have been a touchdown, saying 'That's his strength, is his hands' and that Stribling 'needs to come down with that one,' though Shanahan acknowledged the throw was difficult.PositiveBreakoutAug 20, 2026
Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling was selected by the 49ers with the No. 33 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and was considered a 'reach' by most draft analysts, earning the 49ers a worst-in-league grade from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. However, Stribling has reversed that early narrative and impressed at training camp. In the team's Week 1 preseason game, he had seven receptions for 63 yards, suggesting he may outperform his draft position.PositiveBreakoutAug 20, 2026
Stribling had an impressive debut, catching 7 of 8 targets for 63 yards. He will likely work with Brock Purdy in the second preseason game and could be the focal point with Mike Evans out. If the 49ers see enough from Stribling, this could be his final preseason game before making the roster.NegativeUsageAug 20, 2026
Stribling had a 32-yard reception in preseason week 1. Jordan Watkins was still dancing his way into the route after Kurtis Rourke was blitzed on that play, highlighting Watkins' route-running issues.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
Rookie receiver De'Zhaun Stribling figures to get more work in Thursday's preseason game after catching seven passes for 63 yards versus the Titans in Week 1, demonstrating early receiving ability.PositiveBreakoutAug 20, 2026
Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling is expected to be the 49ers' wide receiver of the future; Steve Smith Sr. explains that Stribling will 'feast on opposing defenses starting this season' and will eventually become the 49ers' best route runner, positioning him as the franchise's long-term solution at the position.NegativeInjuryAug 19, 2026
49ers receiver has missed parts of training camp with a hamstring injury, contributing to San Francisco's receiving corps availability challenges during preseason.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Stribling, a rookie, figures to play a prominent role in the 49ers offense following Ricky Pearsall's injury, though the source questions whether he and other receivers can adequately support the offense alongside Mike Evans.NegativeUsageAug 19, 2026
Stribling caught a pass from Brock Purdy during the two-minute drill in the 49ers-Chargers joint practice, helping set up the offense in the red zone; he was also targeted near the front pylon on one of the final four end-zone attempts.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Stribling scored a pair of touchdowns in the red zone during the joint practice, including a sick fade route catch. If he can consistently catch these fade routes, the source notes the 49ers red zone offense will be difficult to stop.PositiveBreakoutAug 18, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling impressed in preseason week 1 action; Nate Tice and Matt Harmon reference the rookie wideout as part of their preseason takeaways, noting they are 'on the De'Zhaun Stribling hype train,' indicating early-season breakout potential from the rookie receiver.PositiveDepth ChartAug 17, 2026
Stribling, the No. 33 overall pick, has been one of San Francisco's biggest camp standouts and carried that momentum into the preseason opener with seven catches for 62 yards in one half.PositiveBreakoutAug 17, 2026
The rookie was targeted on 8-of-13 Kurtis Rourke pass attempts during 22 snaps with the backups, converting that into seven catches for 63 yards—the second-most receptions for a rookie in the first half of a preseason game over the past decade. The source notes Stribling was headed for a starting role before this performance, and the box score confirms he isn't going to play behind Christian Kirk or another veteran, even in Week 1.PositiveBreakoutAug 17, 2026
Stribling probably changed the 49ers' depth chart during his 22 snaps with the backups in preseason Week 1. He was targeted on 8-of-13 Kurtis Rourke pass attempts, turning that workload into seven catches for 63 yards. It was the second-most receptions for a rookie in the first half of a preseason game over the past decade.PositiveBreakoutAug 17, 2026
The 49ers' second-round rookie wide receiver had seven catches in approximately 20 minutes of game action for 63 yards in his preseason debut, making strong contested catches and looking like he can be a factor right away. However, the source notes he needs to break more plays and improve his route running and alignment details. 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said 'He's a very, very strong player, but there's things he needs to keep working on,' suggesting upside despite the early-game volume.NegativeRoleAug 17, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling, the 49ers' 33rd overall pick in 2026, played at three schools (Washington State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss) and never exceeded 900 yards or 7 touchdowns in any single season; GM John Lynch explained the 49ers' conviction in the pick despite multi-school career, noting Ole Miss' tempo-based offense limited route tree variety. Stribling is working on route running details and explosiveness off the ball in Kyle Shanahan's complex system.PositiveBreakoutAug 17, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling led all players in the Titans-49ers preseason game with 7 catches for 63 yards, including a 32-yard catch on third-and-5; he impressed teammates with his speed, quick rapport with Brock Purdy, and aggressive hands at the catch point. Fred Warner noted Stribling always catches with extended hands rather than body.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
Stribling, the second-round receiver out of Mississippi, extended his strong training camp work with seven catches for 63 yards while running with the 49ers starters. Kyle Shanahan praised both his sure hands and physicality. With Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. needing assistance after Ricky Pearsall was lost for the season, Stribling is expected to play an important role in providing Brock Purdy with much-needed receiving support.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
Rookie WR Stribling has impressed the 49ers coaching staff and teammates with his work ethic and playbook mastery despite the team's demanding approach of requiring young wideouts to learn all three receiver positions (F, X, Z) before assignment. Stribling developed a rigorous routine studying film daily, verbalizing playcalls aloud, writing and drawing plays for visualization, and repeatedly going through the playbook with quizzes from family and teammates. He also participated in throwing sessions with Purdy and Jones in Nashville prior to training camp alongside fellow wideout Jordan Watkins, demonstrating commitment that coaches and teammates said doesn't faze him despite the workload.NegativeInjuryAug 15, 2026
Stribling was kept out of practice for several days and has only recently returned to full participation (about one week prior to the preseason game). The 49ers have had durability issues with recent early-pick rookies: Ricky Pearsall (2024) was in and out of the lineup in 2024, and Mykel Williams (2025) suffered a torn ACL in Week 9. Shanahan expressed hope that Stribling can stay healthy and string together two more weeks of reps to be ready for the season.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Kyle Shanahan confirmed Stribling will not be primarily in the slot, indicating the 49ers are switching up his role to leverage his versatility. This positional flexibility could enhance his value and reduce concerns about his fit in the offense.PositiveProjectionAug 15, 2026
49ers' first-round pick (2026) caught seven passes for 63 yards in the first half of preseason game vs. Titans on August 13, 2026—a feat only one other receiver has accomplished in the past decade. Kyle Shanahan praised his hands and physical play, noting he executed well on three consecutive drives after an early-game struggle. Shanahan indicated Stribling won't be primarily in the slot, suggesting versatility that could increase his value as a second-round selection.PositiveBreakoutAug 15, 2026
The 33rd overall pick outshined fourth overall pick Carnell Tate in their NFL debuts during the 49ers' preseason opener against Tennessee; Stribling hauled in 7 catches for 63 yards on three drives against the Titans' starting secondary, while Tate was held to zero catches on three targets. Stribling showed sticky hands and made the play of the game with a leaping 32-yard catch over a veteran cornerback. Kyle Shanahan, known for being harsh on rookie receivers, offered a small compliment: 'He seemed good. Struggled a little bit on that first drive, but he got three drives after that and executed all the stuff that went to him.' The source notes Stribling has been a standout in camp and looks like a playmaker Brock Purdy needs in a receiver room depleted by injuries to George Kittle, Christian Kirk, Mike Evans, and Ricky Pearsall.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
Rookie wideout De'Zhaun Stribling led the 49ers rookie class in the preseason opener, finishing with 7 catches for 63 yards (9.0 yards per catch) on 8 targets. The source describes him as having "the tools to become one of the best in wideouts in 49ers history" and notes he "looked good" with strong hands and physical play, though he struggled slightly on the first drive before executing well on three subsequent drives.PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
Stribling was the highest-graded wide receiver at 80.9, with 70.6% of his snaps in the slot; he caught all three contested targets and was not credited with a drop on a behind-the-line throw on the first series.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
Stribling was stellar in the 49ers' preseason opener against Tennessee, recording seven catches and showcasing his receiving ability as part of the rookie class on display.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
Stribling started slowly with a missed block, a dropped pass, and a stumble on fourth down, but the jitters wore off and he caught his final six targets while continuing to get open cleanly. He has zero issues catching the ball and is winning down the field already against starters, though he still needs to evolve as a route runner. The source compares him to Brandon Lloyd in a Kyle Shanahan offense as a compliment.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
Stribling was the 49ers' most impressive performer in the preseason opener, hauling in seven catches for 63 yards and leading all pass-catchers. The source notes the offensive game plan was centered around Stribling, with Rourke's first pass targeting the 49ers' first selection of the 2026 draft. Stribling made a Jauan Jennings-esque catch with a defender draped over him at the marker for a first down, and was responsible for the 49ers' longest play from scrimmage—a 32-yard gain on a third-and-5 where he made an incredible adjustment to a back shoulder pass on a go route, contorting his body to haul in the pass and keep both feet in bounds. The source states it was obvious Stribling is NFL-ready and suggests his ceiling is now the conversation, a shift from four months prior when the debate was whether the 49ers reached too far in drafting him.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Second-round rookie WR led the 49ers with seven catches for 63 yards in preseason action against Tennessee's first-team defense in the first half, demonstrating early offensive chemistry. Stribling stated he felt 'really clicking with the offense, hearing in the huddle, lining up on the field,' suggesting comfort with the system. Despite the 49ers' depth chart featuring Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans, and Demarcus Robinson at the top, his draft status and preseason productivity should continue to earn him playing-time opportunities heading into the season.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling stood out as a highlight performer in the 49ers' preseason game against the Titans, despite the team's loss on the scoreboard.PositiveSleeperAug 14, 2026
Matt Harmon identifies Stribling as an ideal late-round sleeper for the 49ers. With Ricky Pearsall lost for the season and the rest of the skill position group old or slow, Stribling stands out as a big wideout (4.36 40-time) who beats man coverage on in-breakers, blocks well, catches everything, and makes plays with the ball in his hands—a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's system. Harmon projects Stribling as the WR2 across from Mike Evans early as a rookie, playing the Z and big slot position formerly held by Jauan Jennings. His preseason game (7/63) has already boosted his stock.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
Caught the first pass of the game and didn't slow down; was missed on a slant route, handled a jet sweep, made a leaping grab at the sticks, won a whip route and came down with a sideline grab as LT Trent Williams was gushing over him. His alignment within the starting lineup isn't set as he moved from the slot to the boundary in his debut, but he should be ahead of Deebo Samuel Sr. early, if not right in Week 1. Source says 'It's possible he is THE sleeper of 2026. I'm chasing him up the board.'PositiveSleeperAug 14, 2026
Stribling caught the first pass of the game and didn't slow down, winning multiple routes (quick out, slant, whip route, sideline grab) with LT Trent Williams gushing over him; his alignment within the starting lineup isn't set as he moved from slot to boundary, but he should be ahead of Deebo Samuel Sr. early, if not right in Week 1. Patrick Paul says he's chasing him up the board and calls him a possible sleeper of 2026.PositiveSleeperAug 14, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling's value is on the rise after 49ers preseason Week 1. He caught the first pass of the game (quick out) and didn't slow down. He was missed on a slant route, handled a jet sweep, made a leaping grab at the sticks, won a whip route and came down with a sideline grab as LT Trent Williams was gushing over him. His alignment within the starting lineup isn't set, as he moved from the slot to the boundary in his debut, but he should be ahead of Deebo Samuel Sr. early, if not right in Week 1. The source believes he is THE sleeper of 2026 and is chasing him up the board.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
49ers rookie WR starred in preseason opener, catching the first pass of the game and establishing himself as a go-to option on third downs across three offensive drives. Stribling caught three passes on third downs, including two conversions: a 32-yard back-shoulder bomb he grabbed high and an 11-yard reception he converted into a first down with several yards after catch. The source describes him as outshining Titans' Carnell Tate and notes the 'De'Zhaun Stribling hype train rolling' in its headline.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
The 49ers featured the rookie WR on the first play of the game; Stribling finished with 7 receptions for 63 yards on 8 targets in the preseason opener. He demonstrated versatility running routes from wide and slot positions, made contested catches, and won down the field. The source highlights his ball security and ability to keep catches away from defenders' reach as particularly impressive, noting 'He looked like the player the 49ers had hoped he'd be' and calling it 'a fantastic evening for the rookie.'PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Stribling is positioned to fill a significant void in the 49ers' wide receiver room following the departure of Jauan Jennings to Minnesota and the season-ending PCL tear suffered by Ricky Pearsall (who had the second-most receiving yards last year). The Niners added veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in the offseason and recently welcomed back Deebo Samuel, but finding younger blood was needed; Stribling's preseason performance suggests he could be a key contributor.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
49ers rookie second-rounder (33rd overall) was the breakout star of the preseason opener against Tennessee, posting team-high 7 receptions and 63 receiving yards on 8 targets; half his yards came on a highlight-reel sideline catch. Though considered a reach at No. 33 (Yahoo Sports had him as No. 68 prospect), Stribling has legitimate speed (4.36-second 40-yard dash), good size at 6-foot-2, and was a featured player on an Ole Miss team that reached the College Football Playoff semifinal. Quarterback Brock Purdy gave him a good review in training camp.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling, the 49ers' second-round pick who was criticized for the selection, looked impressive in his preseason debut. He had seven catches for 63 yards in the first half, including a 32-yard gain and a difficult catch while being hit as the ball arrived. His strong performance suggests he could emerge as a pass-catcher for San Francisco amid injuries to Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
Second-round rookie Stribling connected with Brock Purdy on a 50-yard touchdown during joint practice against Tennessee, signaling early chemistry and potential offensive role development.NegativeProjectionAug 13, 2026
Stribling is listed as a notable player expected to play for the Titans in the preseason opener against San Francisco.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling is described as quickly turning into one of the more important pieces for the 49ers offense; the source notes it will be telling if he is treated like a veteran with limited playing time in the preseason, suggesting he has already established significant role importance.PositiveSleeperAug 13, 2026
After being selected 33rd overall in the draft, Stribling has emerged as a popular fantasy sleeper during training camp with so many Niners receivers going down with injuries. He possesses blazing speed (a 4.36 40-yard time at the NFL Combine), something no other receiver in camp has, and his minor hamstring issues haven't caused him to miss much practice time.PositiveBreakoutAug 12, 2026
Stribling, a second-round pick (No. 33), has taken advantage of Christian Kirk's absence early in camp and stood out with his combination of size and strong hands; he will get a chance to prove himself against live competition in the preseason opener.PositiveBreakoutAug 12, 2026
Stribling, the 49ers' 33rd overall pick in the 2025 draft, has seen his stock grow significantly during training camp and is now in the conversation to be the 49ers' No. 2 receiver entering the regular season. While initially drafted as the team's No. 4 receiver, injuries to Kirk and Pearsall have elevated his opportunity, but his strong training camp performance—drawing consistent positive reports—has earned him genuine consideration for the No. 2 spot behind Evans.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Rookie WR Stribling was the target of a perfect throw from Brock Purdy between three defenders during the joint practice that would have gone for a long touchdown, demonstrating his ability to win in tight coverage situations.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Stribling caught a team-high seven passes during team drills in the joint practice. The source notes reporters are impressed by Stribling's clean catch technique and ability to continue running without breaking stride, contrasting favorably with other receivers on the roster. Stribling's consistent production and technical proficiency suggest an expanded role in the 49ers offense.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Second-round rookie wide receiver returned to practice after hamstring tightness and has reportedly been thriving at camp; could be in line for increased opportunities due to injuries to Pearsall, Kittle, and Christian Kirk.PositiveBreakoutAug 11, 2026
49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling has impressed in camp with strong hands and catch radius, catching away from his body with confidence even with cornerbacks or safeties draped over him; he's been lining up at the F or slot position and has looked confident in contested-catch situations where other receivers like Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins have struggled.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Stribling's opportunity has grown given health issues with Ricky Pearsall and Mike Evans and the departure of Jauan Jennings; 49ers drafted him as a downfield threat for Brock Purdy to address team need, positioning him as a potential new weapon alongside George Kittle.PositiveBreakoutAug 11, 2026
49ers 2nd-round rookie (No. 33 overall) is drawing raves at training camp for his hands and route separation; cornerback Deommodore Lenoir highlighted his hand strength and ability to make catches away from his body, while wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson praised his contested-catch ability, strength, and aggression attacking the ball; Stribling has been lining up at F and X positions, creating explosive separation off routes and catching passes in traffic.PositiveInjuryAug 10, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling has returned to practice after a previous absence.NegativeInjuryAug 10, 2026
The 49ers defensive back was not practicing on Monday according to multiple reporters on the scene.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling is a big-bodied threat who can work after the catch. Early indications from camp before his recent minor muscle tweak were positive, suggesting he could be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. Shanahan expressed hope for Stribling to step up in the absence of Pearsall, though he acknowledged that Stribling needs to be on the field and trained to perform at an NFL level.NegativeDepth ChartAug 9, 2026
De'Zhaun Stribling is a rookie in the 49ers wide receiver room, which is now dealing with small injuries keeping players out of practice following Ricky Pearsall's season-ending injury.PositiveRoleAug 9, 2026
49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling is developing a key skill that separates him from typical rookie receivers: maintaining speed while tracking the ball in the air. Backup quarterback Mac Jones praised this ability. Stribling attributes the skill to repetitions and confidence, saying "It's just been repping it, working on it, being confident, knowing that I can still run full speed and also track the ball in the air." The source notes this is something rookie wide receivers don't always demonstrate, positioning Stribling as ahead of the curve in his development.PositiveRoleAug 9, 2026
49ers second-round pick (No. 33 overall, 2026 draft) out of Ole Miss; 6-foot-2, 207 pounds with 4.36 40-yard dash; caught 55 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 college season. Learning from veteran receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr., focusing on route running, physicality, corner manipulation, separation creation, and catch-point hand strength. Building rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy and actively seeking feedback to maximize his development.NegativeInjuryAug 8, 2026
Rookie wide receiver is on the injured list during 49ers training camp, one of four receivers sidelined alongside Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall.PositiveDepth ChartAug 7, 2026
Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling is expected to be one of six receivers the 49ers will keep on the roster and figures to dominate two-receiver sets alongside Mike Evans.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Mac Jones praised Stribling's combination of elite speed and strength, calling him 'the Flyin' Hawaiian.' Jones highlighted Stribling's ability to maintain top speed when tracking the ball in the air—a rare trait where he doesn't slow down when his eyes go up, unlike many fast receivers. Jones said he doesn't have a comp for him yet but believes 'he'll be a really good player.' Stribling has been managing hamstring tightness but returned to practice; the 49ers will need him to live up to his draft status following Ricky Pearsall's injury.