San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling hauled in four passes for 46 yards on five targets against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, with three receptions going for first downs. That brings his preseason total to 11 receptions for 109 yards through two games.

Initially, the 49ers were criticized for using the No. 33 overall pick on Stribling. However, after standout performances in training camp and the preseason, those criticisms have diminished, and many are beginning to wonder whether the team may have found a gem.


Quarterback Brock Purdy, who played just one series with Stribling against the Chargers, discussed his new offensive weapon and explained what has made the rookie wideout so impressive so quickly.

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"He's a guy that's consistent, smart, and shows that he's a guy that you can trust," Purdy said inside the SoFi Stadium locker room. "That first drive, to go out there and be able to connect with him, felt really good—him making some tough catches with guys on him and things like that. So for me, that's huge. I know he's just going to continue to get better and more confident in this offense."

Purdy highlighted several traits that could help Stribling become an instant-impact playmaker, even as a rookie.

"He's smart, obviously," Purdy said. "He's a good route runner. And then, I think he's got strong hands. I feel like he goes and gets the ball and brings it in. Like I said, those tight, contested catches and stuff, he did a good job with bringing it in and making sure that the ball didn't go to the ground.

"It's, I think, pretty evident—all the guys around here talk about how strong of hands he's got and whatnot. So, for me, on third down, when we've got to stay on the field, that's definitely something that I think about when it comes to matchups and making sure I'm going to the right guy and all that. He showed that tonight."


Stribling's lone missed opportunity could have added to the 49ers' rout of the Chargers. San Francisco won the game 41-17, but the rookie let a potential touchdown slip through his hands near the end zone, much to the surprise of his teammates.

"Honestly, a lot of us were like, 'Dang, dude, like we thought he was going to score that touchdown and then go to the Nines Hall of Fame,'" Purdy quipped with a laugh. "That's what it felt like, but it's all good. He's going to bounce back, and he's a baller. That play doesn't define him. He's got a bright year ahead of him and career, so we all got Stribling's back."

Speaking to NFL Network reporter Steve Wyche after the game, the humble Stribling acknowledged that he should have come down with the touchdown, and that he'll have to work harder to ensure mistakes like that are rare.

"Just dropped it," Stribling said. "Just dropped it, so got to go back to the JUGS machines, catch more balls, and practice it more so it doesn't happen again."



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