San Francisco 49ers rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, a 2026 draft pick, was initially blasted by many fans as an absolute reach. Fast forward a bit, and suddenly reports emerged that he might have been off the board just a couple picks later anyway, completely flipping the script on that early judgment. Now, we’re talking about Stribling getting compared to Chris Godwin Jr. and an NFL team reportedly ranking him higher than Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon.
From “What The Hell?” To “Future Steal?”
It’s wild how quickly the narrative changes. Stribling hasn’t even played a single snap yet, but his stock is absolutely soaring. CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani even dropped him on a list of four sleepers to consider for Offensive Rookie of the Year. What’s driving this sudden surge? The dude is known for his blocking ability and pure physicality, which already screams Kyle Shanahan offense. But then you look at the combine numbers: a blistering 4.36 40-yard dash at 6-foot-2. That’s freakish athleticism right there! Back in college for the Ole Miss Rebels, he snagged 55 passes for 811 yards last season and led the team with six receiving touchdowns. He even showed up big in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal upset against Georgia, hauling in seven passes for 122 yards. So, the talent and production are clearly there.
Shanahan’s Next Offensive Weapon?
The question now is how Kyle Shanahan uses him. Shanahan isn’t known for just throwing rookies into the fire unless they are absolutely ready, but Stribling’s blocking and speed are a perfect fit for that efficient San Francisco offensive attack. Plus, there might be an immediate opportunity. Jordan Dajani brought up a great point about Mike Evans potentially missing a good portion of a game or two during the season, which would crack open the door for Stribling. And with Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings out of the mix, there’s a real need to fill that role. If Stribling is that guy, he would be the highest pick Shanahan has spent on that specific position. It’s truly exciting to think about what this guy could do in that offense.
I was right there with everyone else on draft day, wondering what the 49ers were doing. But after digging into Stribling, I walked away thinking this pick could easily be a steal. He’s shaping up to be a legitimate Offensive Rookie of the Year sleeper, and you have to hope he earns it through sheer ability and production, not just injuries to others. The NFL is about to find out just how wrong some initial reactions were.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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