The NFL was reportedly higher on 49ers’ De’Zhaun Stribling ‘more than the public knows’
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes 49ers WR De’Zhaun Stribling had more fans in the NFL than people realize
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: De'zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels runs the ball against Zechariah Poyser #7 of the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the CFP Semifinal Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images The topics surrounding the San Francisco 49ers have been less about the players they selected and more about whether those players would have been available at their next picks. On the one hand, we say the draft is a crapshoot, and you never know what to expect.
On the other hand, based on mock drafts, we’re generally certain that specific players will fall or be available 20 spots later. Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge was 49th on the consensus big board. The Texans traded up to the 26th pick to get him.
The Jaguars took a tight end in the second round that was 151st overall on the consensus big board. The Super Bowl champions took a safety a round and a half earlier than projected in the second round. You can do this in every round for multiple picks.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer spoke about the first perceived reach for the 49ers: The 49ers got killed for taking Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling at 33, and I get it. When fans have been looking at mocks for two months, and their team picks someone perceived as a reach, it normally drives them nuts. I’d just say this on Stribling—some really good offensive coaches really liked him, more than the public knows.