How do you feel about De'Zhaun Stribling?
With the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling. Some fans are panicking because Stribling’s not widely recognized as a premier prospect, but he’s a talented player who fits perfectly into Kyle Shanahan’s offense. With the 49ers’ injury history at receiver, fans should be ecstatic about adding another of his caliber.
Stribling’s elite athleticism makes him a challenge for opposing defenses. He posted a near perfect 9.99 RAS score at the NFL Combine, with a 4.36 40-yard dash, 36” vertical, and 10 '7” broad jump at six-foot-two, 207 pounds. He threatens defenses deep, which gives him ample room underneath coverages.
Some scouts are uncertain about Stribling’s route running, which wasn’t amazing at Ole Miss; however, his tape at Oklahoma State in 2024 is superb. While with the Cowboys, he was twitchy and created consistent separation, especially on slant routes. This brings up the question, was it a personal or a scheme problem while at Ole Miss?
Stribling’s floor is high. His size, paired with his reliable hands and athleticism, carves out a specific role regardless of his development. However, answering this question is pivotal to finding his ceiling. If he becomes consistent, then he could develop into a high-end X receiver.
De’Zhaun Stribling is a perfect fit in the 49ers offense
The 49ers desperately needed an X receiver. Jauan Jennings held down that role, but he’s still an unrestricted free agent. Now, Stribling will take over and be a day-one starter. He will pair with Ricky Pearsall to form a dynamic group for Brock Purdy to use.
The 49ers offense craves reliability, whether it’s with health or performance. In 2025, they dealt with a mass of injuries, but even when their stars were available, they were inconsistent (outside of Christian McCaffrey). Because of this, having someone with reliable hands and who’s been healthy for two straight seasons is huge. Stribling may never be a first-team All-Pro player, but he will have a key role in a perpetual contender’s offense. That alone should warrant a high selection.
Fans may be panicking after the 49ers selected De’Zhaun Stribling at pick 33, but they should calm down and realize he was an excellent addition. His athleticism, flashes of elite route-running ability, and reliability make him a high floor X receiver who will be an instant contributor in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.