Could De'Zhaun Stribling become the 49ers' next star receiver? An analyst draws a bold comparison to NFL greats, highlighting his explosive athleticism and game-changing yards after catch.
The San Francisco 49ers made an underrated move in the 2026 NFL draft. The team selected what could end up becoming the best receiver in a lesser receiver class in Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling
Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Makai Lemon (USC) all saw their names called in the first 20 picks of the first round, but all of them have their own question marks. Tate has never been a No. 1 receiver. Tyson has suffered three major knee injuries. Lemon is undersized.
Stribling is not without his questions either, but he still has the ability to become a great player. He might even become that guy right away.
Here's what The Sporting News' Billy Heyen had to say about his potential impact.
"San Francisco drafted De'Zhaun Stribling, a wide receiver out of Ole Miss. And even without digging too deep into Stribling, a couple things are apparent. For one, he's physically impressive, fast and strong and athletic. Beyond that, those are traits he shares with two recent Ole Miss wide receivers: DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown.
Neither of those guys was a first-round pick, either, but both entered the NFL with impressive physical characteristics, and they've clearly proved that they belong in the league.
This isn't to say that Stribling will become Metcalf or Brown, but the path from Ole Miss WR to the NFL has been trod in the recent path. It's also a reminder that Metcalf and Brown were once college teammates. Clearly, those Ole Miss teams weren't quite set up to maximize the two-star WRs they had at once, but the NFL was ready for them in their own spots."
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De'zhaun Stribling (1) makes a catch against Miami Hurricanes defensive back Keionte Scott (0) in the second half during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThere is plenty to share about Stribling's college football career to determine if it's conclusive or inconclusive that he will succeed in the NFL. One thing we keep going back to is his elite ability to rack up yards after catch. And it was not as if Stribling was a bubble screen specialist. His yards after catch came on normal receptions, too.
The all-around talent proved adept at blocking in space, but that proved valuable in his ability to decoy as a blocker. Stribling was able to slip out after going in motion for what looked like a kick out block to catch a pass in the flat. He also proved capable of taking a five-yard curl route for a long gain.
While he may not live up to Heyen's lofty prediction, there's reason to believe Stribling is the real deal. He will look to prove it in September.