Analysts and draft pundits are walking back their criticism of the San Francisco 49ers for using their top draft pick on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who was ranked lower on many draft boards by the "experts."

Stribling (6-2, 202) has made NFL preseason history with an impressive 11 receptions for 109 yards through two games. According to Ryan Paganetti, the 49ers rookie became the first player in at least 20 years to record 11 receptions within the first 20 minutes of two consecutive preseason games.


Stribling has been a standout throughout training camp and in the preseason, and one savvy 49ers veteran is already very impressed with the first-year player. Wide receiver Mike Evans believes the rookie wideout could become a bigger contributor in 2026 than many anticipated.

"He gets the job done. Strib gets the job done," Evans said, as shown during the 49ers' web series, The Build. "He's a rookie, but he's a pro. He's been a pro—the way he practices, the way he prepares. He's going to make a lot of plays for us this year."


San Francisco selected Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick after trading out of the first round. The wide receiver recorded 55 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns in his lone season at Ole Miss. He posted comparable numbers in 2024 at Oklahoma State, hauling in 52 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns.

While many expected Stribling to develop into a long-term starter, his rapid development could put him in the NFL spotlight much sooner than anticipated.

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