Three San Francisco 49ers rookies have caught the attention of fullback Kyle Juszczyk this offseason, and that's encouraging news for a team that could rely heavily on its first-year players during the 2026 campaign.
The 49ers dealt with a rash of injuries last season, proving just how quickly young players can be thrust into significant roles. Despite the adversity, San Francisco still won 12 games and earned a playoff berth, underscoring the importance of quality depth throughout the roster.
Speaking with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe, Juszczyk shared his early impressions of the 49ers' first three draft picks—wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, running back Kaelon Black, and defensive end Romello Height.
De'Zhaun Stribling showing no fear
Juszczyk believes Stribling already embodies the physical mentality the 49ers expect from their wide receivers, particularly when it comes to blocking.
"He's big. He's fast. He's physical," Juszczyk said. "I love—I think it was our second OTA—he was asked to cut off the defensive end on the backside of the ball, and he so willingly and impressively did so. Like, threw his body in there with no hesitation.
"And you say, 'We're talking about a second-round receiver. Why do we care about him blocking a defensive end? Let's hope he catches passes.' I think he's going to do a lot of that, but I think in order to play in Kyle's (Shanahan) offense, you've got to really be willing to do everything.
"So, for him, with just no question, step in there, and no hesitancy, stick his face into a defensive lineman, I was really impressed."
Kaelon Black looks ready for a bigger role
Black is competing to become Christian McCaffrey's primary backup, and early offseason practices suggest he may be emerging as the frontrunner. Based on what he's seen so far, Juszczyk believes the rookie could carve out a larger role than many expected this season.
"I've been so impressed by Kaelan Black," Juszczyk said. "He, number one, is a ball of muscle. This guy is absolutely jacked, and he's explosive. That's really what has stood out to me—is how twitchy and explosive he gets through that hole.
"And he runs so hard, and you can feel that even in practice without pads on, which is unique. Because I know I've felt it. I've been engaged in a block, and him just working through the hole, and just being forced to kind of run into that guy that I'm already engaged in, and I could feel that force that he was exerting.
"So, been really impressed with him physically, mentally as well. Just a guy that seems to get it, that works hard, that cares about the classroom. So, I think there's a lot of good things ahead for Kaelan, and I think he's going to help us."
Romello Height making an early impression
The 49ers are counting on Height to help revitalize a pass rush that finished with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, providing a complementary piece to Nick Bosa.
Although Juszczyk hasn't lined up against Height in practice yet, the rookie has still stood out in drills.
"I've been impressed just watching him in the drills that they've done," Juszczyk said. "He seems like he has a really great get-off. He's got a long reach, and seems like a guy that, again, could help us this season."
With training camp approaching, the early praise from one of the 49ers' most respected veterans offers an encouraging sign that this rookie class could make an early impact.
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