Can De'Zhaun Stribling Make An Early Impact For The 49ers? | Reception Perception The Show

Brandon Aiyuk never came back to the 49ers, which forced Ricky Pearsall to play on-ball (vertical receiver) duties last year. This context explains why the 49ers added Mike Evans and De'Shawn Stribling—to provide intermediate-area receivers and allow Pearsall to move around more rather than being locked into on-ball responsibilities.

Christian Kirk was added to the 49ers receiver room in 2024. Harmon describes him as a good player who will definitely play a little bit, but does not project him as a major role player in the offense. Kirk's presence is noted as context for the depth chart, with Stribling positioned ahead of him in the receiving hierarchy.

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.

Matt Harmon views Stribling as a slight reach at the first pick of the second round in the 2024 draft, noting he personally had Stribling as a good day two pick rather than an early second-round selection. Harmon would have taken Denzel Boston ahead of Stribling, though he acknowledges the 49ers' draft logic and sees Stribling as complementary depth to the receiving room. Matt Harmon identifies Stribling as a potential replacement for Jauan Jennings in the big slot flanker role, a position where Jennings was best utilized before being overcast as the X receiver in recent years. 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.

Albert Breer's quote (cited by Harmon) notes that the 49ers were criticized for taking Ole Miss wide receiver Deebo Samuel at 33 overall, similar to the Stribling pick. Breer's point was that when fans have been looking at mocks for two months and their team makes someone perceived as a reach, it drives them crazy. However, Breer noted that some really good offensive coaches liked Samuel more than the public knew. Harmon uses this as a historical parallel to explain why Stribling, also perceived as a reach, may have been a coaches' favorite and could outperform draft expectations.

Mike Evans is projected to play X receiver for the 49ers in 2024. However, Harmon notes that Evans playing X is not guaranteed—he is an older player who has dealt with injuries. If Evans misses time, which is absolutely possible, De'Shawn Stribling will see increased playing time and would likely play X as well. The 49ers have been one of the more injury-riddled teams, creating upside scenarios for Stribling if Evans is unavailable.

Matt Harmon notes that Ricky Pearsall, a former first-rounder, will play flanker/slot for the 49ers in 2024. Pearsall had to play on-ball (vertical receiver) last year because Brandon Aiyuk never came back to the team. With the addition of Mike Evans and De'Shawn Stribling, Harmon likes that Pearsall can move around more and play less on-ball, as both Evans and Stribling can live in the intermediate area. This represents a role improvement for Pearsall, allowing him to operate in positions better suited to his skill set. Harmon expresses long-term optimism for Pearsall as part of the 49ers receiving room, with the caveat that he remains healthy.