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49ers Shock Draft: Stribling Pick Raises Eyebrows
25 Apr
Summary
- 49ers selected WR De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick.
- Stribling's college production was relatively low for his draft position.
- His size and speed could thrive in the 49ers' efficient passing system.
In a surprising move on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick. This selection was unexpected by many draft analysts, who questioned Stribling's production levels relative to his early draft capital.
Stribling, 23, recorded 55 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns at Mississippi last year. His 17% share of the team's receiving yards was considered low for a pick this high. Although he showed better efficiency in 2024 at Oklahoma State, accounting for 28% of their receiving yards, he still did not exceed 900 yards.
Despite production concerns, Stribling's physical attributes—six-foot-two, 207 pounds, and a 4.36-second 40-yard dash—offer projection potential. The 49ers' offense, known for extreme passing game efficiency under Kyle Shanahan, could help Stribling leverage his size and speed.
For fantasy football redraft leagues, Stribling is projected to be a late-round pick, overshadowed by established receivers like Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall. However, with Evans aging and Pearsall's injury history, Stribling is a player to monitor in dynasty leagues, where his draft capital positions him as a potential second-round rookie pick.
