Grading San Francisco 49ers pick of De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33 in NFL draft

The San Francisco 49ers traded down twice out of the first round on the opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft before selecting Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick on April 24.

Stribling may not see the field immediately after the 49ers' offseason signings of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, but there will still be opportunities for him to get reps and learn in the receiver room. The wideout from Ole Miss could be another target for quarterback Brock Purdy as San Francisco look to move away from Brandon Aiyuk.

Stribling is a 6-foot-2, 207-pound threat who for can move well for his size, running a 4.36 40-yard dash. In his 2025 season at Ole Miss, Stribling caught 55 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns.

The 49ers acquired the No. 33 pick and the No. 179 pick from the New York Jets in exchange for the No. 30 pick.

Here's how USA TODAY Sports grades the 49ers second round pick, their first draft selection in 2026:

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park.

Carnell Tate of Ohio State.

Kayden McDonald of Ohio State.

Francis Mauigoa of Miami.

Arvell Reese of Ohio State.

Mansoor Delane of LSU.

Dillon Thieneman of Oregon.

Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet.

Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey.

Colton Hood of Tennessee.

Kadyn Proctor of Alabama arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Carnell Tate of Ohio State.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Kayden McDonald of Ohio State.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Francis Mauigoa of Miami.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Arvell Reese of Ohio State.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Mansoor Delane of LSU.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Dillon Thieneman of Oregon.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Colton Hood of Tennessee.

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Fashion and football meet in Pittsburgh on the NFL draft red carpet

Kadyn Proctor of Alabama arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft.

San Francisco 49ers No. 33 overall draft pick grade for De'Zhaun Stribling

The grade: C-plus
Why? Here's a bit of surprise. Stribling seemed to pick up steam in the pre-draft process, and there's plenty to like about a 6-2, 207-pound target who's a dynamo with the ball in his hands. There's room for him to develop in a Kyle Shanahan system that is sure to weaponize his run-after-catch prowess and blocking ability. But he's far less polished than some of the other promising receivers on the board here.