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NFL
Did the 49ers spend the 33rd pick for a wideout to throw blocks downfield?
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite more highly regarded options still available. This choice raises questions about the team's strategy and the player's fit.
Key points
- 49ers selected De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd pick
- Team needed to restock receiving corps after losing players
- Stribling was seen as a late second or third-round prospect
- Other highly regarded wide receivers were still available
- Selection raises questions about team strategy
Mentioned in this story
Minnesota VikingsOle Miss
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers had a strange 2026 NFL Draft. It all started with their first pick.
With Jauan Jennings departing in free agency (he'd later sign with the Minnesota Vikings) and Brandon Aiyuk plainly on his way out, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch opted to restock the receiving corps. Trades back from the first round netted the 33rd overall pick. When Lynch couldn't find a suitable deal from there in an uneven draft class, he settled on Ole Miss deep threat De'Zhaun Stribling.
It was a peculiar choice. Stribling had late second or third-round buzz coming into the draft. More highly regarded wideouts like Denzel Boston, Germie Bernard and Antonio Williams were still available. Had Lynch reached for a player he liked but could have been available later?
To be sure, Stribling was a solid collegiate contributor and downfield burner. He was also inconsistent from week-to-week and showcased average separation skills. While later picks would make Stribling's selection seem predictable by comparison -- Lynch and Shahahan -- the first pick of the second round didn't make a ton of sense.
Q&A
Why did the 49ers choose De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd pick?
The 49ers aimed to replenish their receiving corps after losing Jauan Jennings and with Brandon Aiyuk likely leaving, leading them to select Stribling despite other options.
What were the concerns about De'Zhaun Stribling's performance?
Stribling was known for being a solid contributor but showed inconsistency and average separation skills during his college career.
Who were the other wide receivers available when the 49ers picked Stribling?
More highly regarded wideouts like Denzel Boston, Germie Bernard, and Antonio Williams were still available when the 49ers selected Stribling.
