Dynamic Ole Miss receiver DeZhaun Stribling joins the 49ers, adding explosiveness to San Francisco's already potent offense.
The San Francisco 49ers are on the board with their first draft pick of the 2026 NFL draft. The Niners selected dynamic Ole Miss wide receiver DeZhaun Stribling with the No. 33 pick in the NFL draft.
Much was made over the Niners trading back twice in the first round to ultimately end up in the second round with the No. 33 pick. Not everybody loved the move, and undoubtedly not all 49ers fans were pleased. That said, the team did not need to draft as urgently as some around them. San Francisco addressed major needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle.
Some were wondering what position the Niners would draft when they made their first pick. They let the NFL world know where they were looking to upgrade in adding Stribling.
The Ole Miss player also made stops at Washington State and Oklahoma State prior to heading to Oxford to finish his college career. In his final collegiate season, Stribling added 55 receptions, 811 yards and six receiving touchdowns for the Rebels in 2025.
DeZhaun Stribling (1) runs drills during an Oklahoma State football practice in Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORKThe 49ers have not had a perfect track record in drafting receivers early. Current Niners receiver Ricky Pearsall is looking to break out in 2026 after a slow start to his NFL career. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe that Stribling can thrive in the San Francisco offense where Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk also made names for themselves.
The Niners will look to add to their draft with impressive picks to end the weekend.