One exec respects the 49ers going against the consensus in the NFL Draft

Q: Why are the 49ers criticized for their NFL Draft strategy?

The 49ers are criticized for perceived reaches in their draft picks, which some executives believe deviate from consensus rankings.

Q: What do executives think about the 49ers' approach to the NFL Draft?

Some executives respect the 49ers for prioritizing their preferred players and trading back to gain value, contrasting with teams that strictly follow consensus boards.

Q: Who is De’Zhaun Stribling and how is he viewed by NFL executives?

De’Zhaun Stribling is viewed as a competitive player with potential, described as better than Deebo Samuel and a strong fit for the 49ers' needs.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 07: (L-R) General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan speak during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitta Football Complex on February 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Athletic’s Mike Sando offered insights from executives on all 16 NFC teams. The hot topic for the San Francisco 49ers has been their perceived reaches in the NFL Draft. That topic didn’t change in this article. The first exec weighed in on the consensus talk:

“The consensus piece is really more about extracting value. Compare what the Niners did with what the Jaguars did. The Jaguars are getting panned for consensus stuff, too. The Niners at least traded back before making their picks. The Jags did not. The Niners may know they are picking against consensus and they are getting something for it, and then saying, ‘All right, let’s just pick our guy — let’s not get too cute with this.'” The taling point that constantly gets lost in these discussions is the idea that other teams don’t share the same “let’s just pick our guy” mindset. The arguments have gone so far one-sided in a direction that no rational person disagrees with, that it’s ignoring talent acquisition and scheme fit. Both sides will have their opportunities for an “I told you so” moment over the coming years. Another exec respects the 49ers for their decision: “All the talk about consensus boards is interesting,” another exec said. “I don’t have a great answer, but I respect teams like San Fran that say, ‘F— you guys, we aren’t looking at that stuff.’

“I love the discussion. It’s a little like best player available versus need. We are never going to solve it.” It’s a fun discussion if you’re open and willing to hear different perspectives. Another exec shared his take on De’Zhaun Stribling: “Stribling is not a dynamic route runner and does not run a full route tree, but he is bigger, faster, will block and is a competitive guy,” said an exec whose team saw Stribling as a high third-round talent. “He is not as good as Aiyuk was. He is a better receiver than Deebo. He is a faster, better (Jauan) Jennings and a great guy. Those guys (Stribling and Evans) will block and do it all the right way, how the head coach wants it.” Aiyuk was a budding superstar. The 49ers gave him $120 million because he . Couldn’t you argue Stribling being better than Deebo, who was selected three picks after Samuel, is a sign that Stribling is *decent* value at the very worst? A super-charged Jennings who can win in more areas of the field is an apt description. The question is, since Jennings was a 7th-rounder, where would you draft the 4.3 version of him?