The San Francisco 49ers are making headlines in the NFL with their revamped wide receiver corps this offseason, highlighted by the addition of veteran Mike Evans and the return of Deebo Samuel Sr. However, it’s rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling who is drawing significant attention, with ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicting that he could lead all rookie wide receivers in catches this season.
Graziano acknowledged the competition Stribling faces, noting that while Evans is expected to be the team's primary receiver, he has already been hampered by injuries during training camp. Additionally, veterans like Demarcus Robinson and Deebo Samuel have more experience within the 49ers' system, which could make it challenging for Stribling to secure a prominent role. Nonetheless, Graziano emphasized that someone will need to step up in San Francisco’s passing game, and Stribling has been impressing coaches and teammates alike during training camp and the preseason.
Selected with the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stribling has the potential to make a significant impact in his rookie year. Left tackle Trent Williams has expressed high expectations for Stribling, comparing his route-running ability to that of former 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings but noting that Stribling possesses greater speed. With quarterback Brock Purdy at the helm, Stribling may find himself targeted frequently, positioning him as a high-volume pass catcher for the 49ers this season.
In a recent announcement, Stribling revealed that he will wear the number 7 this season, a nod to his high school days. He explained, “I wore 7 back in high school. It was one of my favorite numbers at the time. I kind of want to be comfortable in that and do my thing.” This decision comes shortly after a fraudulent incident involving a scam artist posing as a 49ers player with the same number.
Throughout his collegiate career, Stribling amassed impressive statistics, recording 66 receptions for 2,965 yards and 23 touchdowns while playing at Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, and Washington State. He remains unfazed by the expectations surrounding his draft position, stating, “I don’t really worry about all the outside noise or the opinions of where I was drafted. I’m just here to do my job: catch the ball, score touchdowns and be a great run blocker, also.”
Stribling's rookie season will be an opportunity for him to learn from one of the most consistent receivers in NFL history, Mike Evans, who has had an impressive career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Stribling is eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible from the veteran receivers on the team, emphasizing the importance of details in the game. “Details make or break everything,” he noted. “Just being on top of the details, being on top of the alignments and assignments. All those kinds of things. It’s much different vs. college.”
As he continues to adapt to the professional level, Stribling is committed to improving every day, stating, “I’m learning every day, stacking days, getting all the coaching points, and from my teammates, just to be the best I can do.” With the 49ers looking to utilize him as their third wideout this year, Stribling's development will be crucial as the team aims for success in the upcoming NFL season.
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