What the 49ers saw in De’Zhaun Stribling to select him No. 33 overall

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: De'zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels looks on after the game against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. The Hurricanes defeated the Rebels 31-27. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images Who is De’Zhaun Stribling?

John Lynch and the San Francisco 49ers believe he’s “the total package. ” Lynch threw out cliches after the draft, calling Stribling a “Big, strong guy, plays with tremendous physicality and has legit speed for his size that shows up on tape. ” From an athletic perspective, it’s easy to see why the 49ers were interested in the wide receiver over 6’2” and 200 pounds, who was clocked with the second-fastest time in all of college football during the past two seasons at 22.

3 miles per hour. That player will be useful in an offense that was far too congested last year. So dropping in a receiver who caught five of his ten targets over 20 yards last season will theoretically open up things for Brock Purdy and the Niners offense.

Between Mike Evans and Stribling, back shoulder fades and go balls will keep the opposing defense honest. That’s good news for Christian McCaffrey and the running game. Because if you leave a cornerback on an island, you’re susceptible to plays like the one below: 11:52 timestamp Last season, Jauan Jennings only caught four of his 13 targets over 20 yards.