There has been debate about how quickly Stribling can become a contributor in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Some believe the rookie could emerge as a starter by the end of the season, while others expect 2026 to serve primarily as a developmental year.
One person who believes Stribling can contribute immediately is 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
The fifth-year signal caller spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area's Laura Britt during Wednesday's Dwight Clark Legacy Series event and praised the rookie receiver's raw talent and athletic ability.
"Stribling's a guy that has a lot of raw talent," Purdy said. "And just throwing routes on air and stuff to him, and getting a feel for how he moves, and his speed, he's a guy that, once we obviously get him in the playbook a lot, and get reps with each other on the field, I feel like he's going to be a guy that can come in and make an instant impact.
"And so, Kyle and [wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson] have done a really good job with just developing receivers and stuff. So, to have him in the fold, with the great receiving core that we have right now, it's just amazing as a quarterback. I'm like, 'Let's go.'"
Stribling recorded 1,693 receiving yards over his final two collegiate seasons while scoring six touchdowns in each campaign.
Although some analysts criticized the 49ers for selecting Stribling earlier than projected, the organization reportedly viewed him as the best blocking wide receiver in the draft—a trait that carries significant value in Shanahan's offensive system.
For now, the focus will be on building chemistry between Purdy and Stribling as the 49ers prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
"Our receiving [corps], as a whole, we're really excited about right now," Purdy added. "Everyone's healthy and good. We've got to keep it going and just keep stacking days. And I think we've got a really good core, as a whole."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Report: 49ers placing rookie De'Zhaun Stribling on injured reserve
The San Francisco 49ers were already expected to be without wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling for at least four games after the rookie suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. That will soon become official. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers... -
49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling out about 10 weeks, Jake Tonges out for season
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The 49ers will place rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling on injured reserve after he suffered an ankle... -
49ers rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling expected to miss at least 4 weeks with deltoid sprain
The San Francisco 49ers will be without rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling for at least the next month. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Stribling suffered a deltoid sprain in his ankle during San Francisco's season opener and is expected to miss at least four... -
49ers have options to offset De'Zhaun Stribling's absence
The San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts and pundits heavily criticized the selection from the start. However, something changed during training camp and the preseason. Stribling began...