Multiple teams heading into the 2026 NFL Draft felt like De’Zhaun Stribling was the best wide receiver in the draft.
The Los Angeles Rams were targeting Stribling, but it was the San Francisco 49ers who selected the Ole Miss product at No. 33 overall.
Stribling received high praise from 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy after the second day of camp, a sign that the rookie is already turning heads.
“This dude has proven to all of us that he’s reliable and we can trust him … I got a lot of trust in him right now,” Purdy said on Monday.
“Dude is a baller and I mean that. It’s hard to say that for a rookie right off the jump, but just seeing him run routes, going up against defenders in OTAs and in camp yesterday. He’s a great route runner. He’s smart. He’s learned the playbook really quick— which is awesome.
“On top of that, you can see his strength when he’s going up against guys and creating separation, I’m like ‘Alright, this guy is a strong receiver’, so I’m excited to see what he does. All of us, all the quarterbacks in the room were like ‘Alright, this guy is gonna be a guy that comes in and plays.’”
Stribling has made all of his catches in the first two days of 49ers training camp. The second-round pick has showcased his talent early this summer, scoring a 70-plus-yard touchdown off a Mac Jones strike on a crossing route on Monday.
The rookie has gotten to work with the first and second teams thus far, but he’s already caught the eye of Purdy.
However, as the 49ers quarterback said, it’s only day two.
Once the pads come on, Stribling will be evaluated fully.
Stribling entered training camp at WR4 on the 49ers depth chart. Big offseason acquistions Mike Evans and Christian Kirk sit atop the list, with talented youngster Ricky Pearsall slotted third.
Kirk already left camp with a calf strain on Sunday, potentially opening the door for Stribling to get even more reps.
Purdy and the 49ers face immense pressure residing in the same division as the Super Bowl champion Seahawks and current Super Bowl favorite Rams. If Stribling continues on an upward trajectory, there’s a chance for the rookie to help the 49ers offense be dangerous in 2026.
