49ers Make Bold Move by Drafting De'Zhaun Stribling: What It Means for Fantasy Football
The San Francisco 49ers surprised many during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the first pick of Round 2. While the 49ers were expected to add a wide receiver, Stribling was not widely anticipated to be chosen this early, raising questions about his potential impact. Last season, the 23-year-old recorded 55 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns at Mississippi, with a modest 17% share of the Rebels' receiving yardage. His performance at Oklahoma State in 2024 was better, as he accounted for 28% of their receiving yards, yet he still fell short of 900 receiving yards. Standing at six-foot-two and weighing 207 pounds, Stribling ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his physical tools. However, his age and lack of elite production make this selection puzzling. On a positive note, the Kyle Shanahan offense is known for its efficiency in the passing game, with Brock Purdy averaging an impressive 8.6 yards per attempt throughout his career. If Stribling can find regular playing time, his size and speed could lead to exciting opportunities. The 49ers' decision to draft him 33rd overall indicates they expect him to contribute. For redraft leagues, Stribling is likely to be a late-round pick, given the presence of veterans like Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall. However, with Evans nearing 33 years old and Pearsall's injury history, Stribling is worth monitoring. In Dynasty formats, Stribling's early draft capital boosts his value, potentially making him a Round 2 pick. Initially unranked in the top 40 of pre-draft evaluations, he is now poised to be a significant post-draft riser, likely landing around pick 20 in rookie drafts.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-24