One player who has particularly caught Jones' attention is rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, the team's first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Before being sidelined with hamstring tightness, Stribling emerged as one of training camp's most reliable pass catchers. He returned to practice on Thursday and will gradually increase his workload.
Jones has been so impressed that he's already given the Hawaii native a fitting nickname.
"I call him 'The Flyin' Hawaiian' because he's so fast," Jones said on Thursday with a laugh. "But he definitely is fast. Some guys, they can be really quick, but they're not as strong, so he has both."
While Jones hasn't found the perfect NFL comparison for Stribling, he's convinced the rookie has the talent to make an immediate impact.
The quarterback spent time working with Stribling during the offseason, using those extra throwing sessions to build chemistry and get a better feel for the rookie's skill set.
"Just the way he got to the ball when it's in the air was impressive," Jones said. "He has like a second gear when the ball's in the air. Some guys are really fast, but when the ball goes up, and your eyes go up, you slow down. But he doesn't do that, so it's pretty impressive.
"We've got a few guys that are like that—Jordan Watkins, and obviously Mike Evans is one of the best at it. You want to have guys like that. Speed is good, but you want ball speed, where the ball's in the air, and they don't slow down. So he has that."
Jones praises Jordan Watkins
Jones also highlighted his growing relationship with rookie receiver Jordan Watkins, noting that the two have developed a strong connection and friendship because of their similar mindsets.
"He's always got a good attitude," Jones said. "He just goes out there and runs fast. With us, we're very similar because we're hard on ourselves. So if he has a bad play, I always try to go up to him and be like, 'Hey, play the next play. It's all good.' Similar with me, if I have a bad play, I'd want him to do the same. And we kind of have that relationship.
"For him, it's just playing that next play as best he can. And he's done a better job of that this training camp. And he's really fast, and has a lot of talent, and has played in a lot of big-time football in college, so you know that he has what it takes to be really good."
49ers receivers continue to adapt
The 49ers' receiving room features a mix of veterans, newcomers, and young talent, making it one of the more intriguing position groups heading into the season. Building chemistry in Kyle Shanahan's offense takes time, but Jones believes the group is progressing well despite several injuries during training camp.
While Stribling returned to practice Thursday, Mike Evans remains sidelined with a quad strain. Jacob Cowing is recovering from a hip flexor injury, while Christian Kirk continues to work his way back from a lingering calf strain.
Even with several key receivers unavailable, Jones believes the absences have created valuable opportunities for younger players to prove themselves.
"It's been interesting. I think it's good," Jones said. "I think everyone's kind of a melting pot of people, and we've got young guys and old guys. And like you said, Christian, Mike, and Stribling weren't out there, but it's good for these young guys to step up and make plays. And I need to do a better job getting them the ball and letting them show what they can do.
"But I feel like they've all flashed in different ways. Even Junior Bergen, going out there, knowing what to do, playing fast, all that stuff. So there's a long list of guys. I could go through each one of them, but I've been impressed with their work ethic.
"And our system is complex, so I'm not expecting them to get it in one day or one week or even one month. It takes all the way through the season because our game plans are very different each week, and that's the challenge, is being ready for that."
With training camp progressing, the continued development of Stribling, Watkins, and the rest of the young receiving corps could play a significant role in boosting the 49ers' offense during the 2026 season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' John Lynch explains why the pass rush has improved in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers recorded an NFL-low 20 sacks in 2025, six fewer than the next-lowest total, posted by the New York Jets. Defensive end Nick Bosa has not played since Week 2 this season, raising concerns that his absence could similarly affect the 49ers' pass rush. Bosa... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan explains challenge of missing so many players vs. Falcons
The San Francisco 49ers will be without defensive end Nick Bosa when they face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Bosa is one of six 49ers players ruled out for the Week 7 matchup, joining wide receiver Mike Evans. Bosa has missed the past four games with... -
49ers' John Lynch explains trade philosophy amid roster injuries
The San Francisco 49ers are frequently linked to potential trades, particularly during an injury-plagued season like 2026. However, several injured players are expected to return later in the year, potentially providing a significant boost to a team that remains undefeated... -
Deommodore Lenoir has strong message for former 49ers star Terrell Owens
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir had a strong response to former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens after the Hall of Famer claimed he could replicate what veteran wide receiver Mike Evans has been doing on the field this...