Despite the outside criticism, it's clear the 49ers view Stribling as an ideal fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Internally, the rookie was graded as the best blocking receiver in the draft—a trait that carries significant value in San Francisco's system.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke to reporters on Thursday ahead of the rookie minicamp, which begins Friday and runs through Saturday. He outlined both the immediate and long-term expectations for Stribling as he transitions to the NFL level.
"Short term, you've got to go day by day with anybody—any new player," Kubiak said. "You've got to teach them the offense. They've got to learn everything from the ground up. You've got to teach them how you see the position, the fundamentals of playing wide receiver. And he's got to grow from the ground up. And I don't think any player starts above that. They've got to start there."
The early focus will be on helping Stribling, along with the rest of the 49ers' rookie class, adjust to the playbook and the team's expectations for preparation and execution.
"And then, I think long term, I think you guys have kind of heard us talk about our vision for him," Kubiak continued. "He's a big, fast, powerful football player, and he can help our offense in so many ways with the ball in his hands, as a route runner, without the ball in his hands is a huge strength of his. The way he plays, his mindset.
"He's a complete football player, and those guys make your team better. So, he's going to affect the game in a lot of ways. That's our vision for him as far as the long term, for sure."
Stribling was also one of the 49ers' 16 "gold helmet" prospects, a designation reserved for players who meet the team's highest standards in athletic ability, football IQ, and character. He checked all of the boxes throughout the pre-draft process.
"[Leonard Hankerson], our receiver coach, it stood out to him right away: This guy's different," Kubiak said. "This guy's a pro. This guy's all about the right things. And you get that feel for them when you get to know them in the draft process.
"I haven't gotten to be around him a lot yet. I will this weekend, and I will moving forward, and I'm sure those traits will come out, and you couldn't ask for anything more than that. But it's just a starting point. Now we've got to go out there and play and grow as a player."
The vision for Stribling is clear. The 49ers hope to ease him into an offensive contributor in the short term, with the long-term goal of turning him into a versatile weapon for quarterback Brock Purdy.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers hoping De'Zhaun Stribling can provide late-season boost
The San Francisco 49ers could use some help at wide receiver. The team is unlikely to have Mike Evans or Deebo Samuel available this weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders at Levi's Stadium, as San Francisco looks to avoid a second straight loss. This week, the 49ers opened the... -
49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling shows progress in injury recovery
Matt Barrows of The Athletic provided an update Monday on San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who has not played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. Reporters spotted Stribling walking around the 49ers' locker room without crutches, a brace, or... -
49ers should resist trade temptation and save draft picks for long-term impact
The San Francisco 49ers' trade for Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner made a lot of sense, especially for only a 4th-round pick. Buckner is a star who can add to the pass rush and is stout against the run. He can also impart a lot of knowledge and help young... -
Analyst offers 49ers luxury and bargain trade options ahead of deadline
It's unclear whether the San Francisco 49ers will make another trade before the November 10 NFL trade deadline. However, the team is undoubtedly exploring its options as it looks to strengthen the roster for a potential playoff run. ESPN's Bill Barnwell recently examined...