Stop me if you’ve heard this before: The 49ers made a polarizing draft pick.
Well, in the case of their most recent one, 2026’s De’Zhaun Stribling, the pick itself seemed to be an absolute mixed bag when it comes to fans’ reactions. Most called it a reach—at best.
And then he came to OTAs, and after everyone was done blasting the pick, reports came that he may have been off the board a couple picks later anyway. Now we have comparisons of Stribling to the likes of Chris Godwin Jr., and that an NFL
team had him ranked higher than Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon.
Stribling’s stock continues to rise, and he hasn’t even played a snap yet. Add him as a sleeper to a rookie offensive player of the year list—a list from CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani who gave four sleepers to consider.
Stribling is known for his blocking ability and physicality, but he also ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine at 6-foot-2. He caught 55 passes for 811 yards last season for the Ole Miss Rebels and led the team with six receiving touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 122 yards in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal upset against Georgia. Surely he can find a role in this efficient San Francisco 49ers offensive attack — and should have the opportunity, too.
Really, his blocking ability and speed are enough for me and scream Kyle Shanahan offense. Like many, I wondered what the hell the 49ers were doing when his name was called. After I did a bit of research on someone I knew nothing about, I walked away saying this might end up being a steal.
Kyle Shanahan is not one to throw his rookies into the fire unless absolutely necessary (and they are absolutely ready). Dajani makes a good point about injuries and the presence of Mike Evans at wide receiver. I wouldn’t be surprised if Evans is at least out for a good portion of a game or two during the season—which would open the door for Stribling. Plus, we don’t know who will fill the Kendrick Bourne/Jauan Jennings role this year, with both out of the mix. If Stribling is that guy, he’d be the highest pick spent on the role for Shanahan.
It’s funny how on draft day many of us (myself included) were wondering what the 49ers were doing, but now, I, for one, am excited to see what this guy does in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He could be the sleeper pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
I just hope if he does win it, it’s by ability and production, not because of injuries and attrition.
