49ers News: 3rd and De’Zhaun, Stribling to the Cribling

Q: Why was Kyle Shanahan surprised about Mac Jones trade interest?

Shanahan was surprised that no teams inquired about trading for Mac Jones, as he expected calls during the draft, indicating the 49ers were open to discussions.

Q: What are De'Zhaun Stribling's strengths as a rookie?

De'Zhaun Stribling is recognized for his run blocking ability and success in third-down situations, averaging 15.5 yards per reception without any drops.

Q: How did De'Zhaun Stribling perform in college?

In college, Stribling turned 70% of his catches into first downs or touchdowns, showcasing his effectiveness as a receiver.

Q: What role is expected for Stribling in the 49ers' offense?

Stribling is expected to be used situationally, similar to Jauan Jennings, particularly as a third-down option with added speed in the 49ers' offense.

STILLWATER, OK - AUGUST 31: Wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling #1 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys leaps to make a seven-yard catch in bounds against safety Cale Reeder #25 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at the six-yard line in the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 44-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) | Getty Images **Why did 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan sound upset no one tried trading for Mac Jones? (Paywall)** “Shanahan’s reaction to the lack of trade interest in the backup QB strongly suggested the 49ers were willing — perhaps eager — to discuss a draft-day deal. Shanahan said he expected to receive Jones-related trade calls on the first day of the draft, but no team inquired. And Shanahan didn’t sound overly happy while saying how happy he was the 49ers didn’t trade Jones. “That kind of blew my mind,” Shanahan said on KNBR. “Definitely someone I would be sick (about) if we lost. But we also understand how good of a quarterback he is. So it definitely surprised me a lot. I know what I would have done. But not everyone did that. So good for us that we still get to hold on to a really good quarterback.” Good for the 49ers. And too bad for the rest of a league that was too dim-witted to pick up the phone? Yes, there was at least a touch of condescension in Shanahan’s answer. Shanahan’s apparent eagerness to at least entertain trade offers for Jones before or during the first round makes sense when connecting some dots. Jones would likely net a second- or third-round pick in a deal, and the 49ers thought the strength of this year’s draft was “the second round to the end of the third,” as Shanahan said Thursday on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “Stribling brings value as a run blocker and had success in third-down situations, both of which were Jennings’ hallmarks. Stribling averaged 15.5 yards per reception and did not have a drop on 16 targets on third down in 2025. He turned 70% of those catches into a first down or touchdown. The thing that could help Stribling play early is his run blocking prowess. Shanahan noted Stribling jumped out on the tape in that area, something the 49ers struggled with in 2025.” “While Stribling is being labeled a “replacement,” the comparison is really about body type. The juice Stribling has is different than Jennings, and while people are worried about his route tree, I blame Lane Kiffin’s brutal offense at Ole Miss. Pop on Stribling’s Oklahoma State tape, and you’ll see a guy capable of running more than digs (15% of his routes at Ole Miss), nines, aka go routes (26%), and curls (25%). While the rest of Stribling’s route tree develops at the NFL level, the rookie can benefit from Shanahan’s offense, which routinely schemes guys open. Early on, Stribling should be used as Jennings was in 2023 as a third-down option with way more speed. I’ve found three concepts used to spring Jennings open that Stribling can benefit from as a rookie. All three concepts and clips are from the 2024 matchup with Seattle at Levi’s Stadium…… *Bang/Stutter Rail:* The fast motion creates a 1×3 and allows to run the stutter rail from the backfield. With the motion and bunch, the backside routes can be sprung open against man coverage. It can create communication issues with natural picks and rubs. Deebo’s motion actually springs Juice on the return. Samuel takes the nickel and the corner with him as his wide release is meant to interfere with the corner’s angle defending the return. Seattle is in a two-high safety look, and the Will LB drops into the window for the bang route. The outside cornerback takes the stutter rail away on the outside. The route underneath Jennings is open because of this. The route is deeper than a “shallow” cross, but it’s not quite a “jerk” route either. Jennings is isolated on the Mike LB, and it’s easy money. Stribling will be in good hands if the 49ers can use him situationally like this early on.”