49ers projected to make De'Zhuan Stribling decision that would make almost no sense
This projection would feel like a massive waste for the 49ers.
49ers projected to make De'Zhuan Stribling decision that would make almost no sense originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The San Francisco 49ers made a questionable move with their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, taking De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick.
He was projected to go much later in the draft, and especially after Denzel Boston, who went a few picks later to the Cleveland Browns . But, speaking of projections, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport made one projection for the 49ers offense in 2026 that really doesn't make much sense. 49ers projected to make odd De'Zhaun Stribling decision "WR: Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Ricky Pearsall," Davenport projects as the 49ers' starting wide receiver room in 2026.
This projection from Davenport is the 49ers' starting WR room. Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall starting for this team is not a surprise whatsoever. But seeing Christian Kirk, who signed a cheap contract in free agency, starting over Stribling would be a move that makes almost no sense.
The only reason why such a projection could work is that this is merely just what the 49ers will do in the first few weeks of the season, assuming Stribling isn't caught up to speed with Kyle Shanahan's offense. MORE : 49ers searching for possible Brandon Aiyuk trade instead of a simple release Such a scenario is possible, though it would be a bit disappointing for the 49ers' top pick in the draft to not start despite having a clear path to do so. Stribling should be starting right away for the 49ers in 2026, as Kirk should not be better than him.