Field Yates gets real on how much De’Zhaun Stribling can impact 49ers as a rookie

The San Francisco 49ers may have found a rookie capable of contributing immediately in De’Zhaun Stribling. The second-round pick has strengthened his case for an early role throughout training camp.

The 49ers selected Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft after five college seasons at Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss. He finished his career with 216 receptions for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Stribling recorded 55 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns during his final season at Ole Miss. That extensive college experience could help ease his transition into the NFL.

The rookie has carried that momentum into camp. After briefly missing time with hamstring tightness, Stribling returned to full-team work and caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy during Monday’s practice.

NFL on ESPN shared a clip Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter, featuring Field Yates assessing Stribling’s readiness. Yates cited the receiver’s experience and late-season production at Ole Miss as reasons he could contribute early.

"This team needs Mike Evans and/or Christian Kirk and Deebo Samuel to have a legitimate impact this year."

—@FieldYates on the 49ers' biggest need heading into the season pic.twitter.com/9DLTvU8P6k

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 11, 2026

“Here’s what I like about De’Zhaun Stribling. This was a guy who for much of last season fit into the classic height, weight, and speed mold, but he turned it on for Ole Miss down the stretch. You were covering some of those playoff games where he was one of the best players on the field in games filled with future NFL prospects. Played five years of college football, so he is an experienced guy who should understand the nuances of the NFL offenses a little bit better than your typical rookie.”

The 49ers’ receiver room includes Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and the return of Deebo Samuel. However, injuries across the position group have created opportunities for Stribling to earn additional repetitions.

Yates ranked Stribling No. 78 overall among his 2026 draft prospects before the 49ers selected him 33rd. The rookie does not need to carry the passing game immediately, but his experience, athletic profile, and promising camp have positioned him to become a meaningful complementary option in his first NFL season.

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