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:
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.
49ers 2026 NFL Draft picks
- 2nd Round, No. 33 overall: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Francisco 49ers NFL draft grades 2026, De’Zhaun Stribling at No. 33