De’Zhaun Stribling, the 49ers’ rookie receiver, isn’t just playing well in the preseason, he’s straight-up balling out, and even Brock Purdy has noticed. This dude, who was a focal point when starters sat out last week, continued his impressive run when the big guns *were* on the field for their second preseason game. Talk about stepping up!
Preseason Pop-Off: Stribling’s Explosive Playmaking
Last week, with the starters chilling, Stribling was the main attraction, snagging an insane seven catches in less than 20 minutes of game time. Fast forward to the second preseason game against the Chargers, and Stribling was still getting all the love. Purdy, the starting QB, had eyes for the rookie, connecting with him on three passes in the 49ers’ first nine offensive plays. We’re talking strong hands, too. Stribling was consistently catching balls away from his body, a skill he flashed in the first game, and he just plain wins on contested catches. Yeah, the starters dipped after one series, but Stribling stayed in the game and even pulled down a 21-yard reception on Mac Jones’s first throw! It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, though. He did drop a deep pass later in that drive, which totally could’ve been a touchdown. But hey, at least he had plenty of separation on the play.
From Mocked Pick to Must-Watch Rookie
Remember how everyone, and I mean *everyone*, ripped on the 49ers for taking Stribling with the first pick of the second round in this year’s draft? The experts weren’t ranking him anywhere near guys like Denzel Boston, who went after him. There was so much chatter about whether teams should just follow the “consensus board” of draft experts. Well, the 49ers basically scoffed at all that noise. And based on these early preseason returns, it sure looks like they were right. Stribling wasn’t exactly a college superstar, never hitting more than 882 yards in a season across Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss. But man, did he light up the NFL scouting combine! At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, he blazed a ridiculous 4.36-second 40-yard dash. The 49ers were clearly impressed then, and they’ve gotta be pumped now.
This kind of immediate impact is exactly what the 49ers need in their passing game. Ricky Pearsall is already done for the season with a knee injury, and George Kittle is still getting back from a torn Achilles. If these early preseason returns are any indication, Stribling isn’t just a fun story, he might be a big part of their offense right away when the regular season kicks off. Things always change when the games actually count, but this rookie is making a serious case to be a difference-maker.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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