49ers 1st 2026 draft pick never spoke to head coach or GM before draft

The San Francisco 49ers kept their cards close to the vest when it came to picking wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling in the 2026 NFL draft.

Stribling told reporters in his press conference after being selected that he'd spoken with the 49ers throughout the process, but never heard from general manager John Lynch or head coach Kyle Shanahan.

"Yeah, I definitely had a little communication in this whole process," Stribling said. "But very excited to be here, very excited to come in and work, contribute however I can and just help the team win.”

He then noted he never spoke with the 49ers head coach or GM.

“No, I haven't met with them yet," Stribling said. "First time hearing from them, so excited to know more about them and have some more conversations.”

Despite talking with the 49ers throughout the pre-draft process, Stribling expressed some surprise that the 49ers called his name to open the second round Friday night.

"I believe there was some interest, but it's always a surprise and it's always a blessing," Stribling said. "In the Draft, you never know what can happen. So excited for all the opportunities.”

Stribling wasn't projected to go early in the second round, and with a handful of other wide receivers on the board it was a significant shock to begin Day 2 of the draft. However, a quick peek at Stribling's play style and numbers shows why the 49ers fell in love with him despite neither the GM nor head coach ever meeting with him.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers draft pick De'Zhaun Stribling never spoke with GM or head coach