SANTA CLARA, CA ― De’Zhaun Stribling was among the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and the 49ers landed him in the second round.
Stribling was selected out of Ole Miss with the No. 33 overall pick. He has a solid stature, standing at 6-foot-2, 207 pounds. What has been eye-opening to onlookers analyzing his game is how well he moves for his size. Stribling runs a 4.36 40-yard dash. In his 2025 season at Ole Miss, Stribling caught 55 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns.
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Now, it’s time to put in work at the next level. Stribling is getting in his reps, conversing with his vets and becoming the best version of himself.
“It’s just day by day. Just trying to be the best person I could be today, and when tomorrow comes, trying to be the best person I can be tomorrow,” Stribling told USA TODAY Sports. “You know, just kind of not looking too far ahead, but also not just looking at my feet, right? Kind of just envisioning everything, taking it day by day, and just being the best I can be.”
He’s humble, yes. He’s a rookie, but he’s not taking the moment for granted. He’s not too high, not too low. Staying even-keeled as he navigates life in the NFL. It’s always been his mindset, he told USA TODAY Sports.
“Just kind of being in the moment, maximizing the moment, living up to the moment,” Stribling said. “Instead of kind of looking (to) the future, you know, and just missing small things that I could have capitalized on in the moment.”
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New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) works with a member of the coaching staff during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27 in Santa Clara, California.
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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, California, on July 27.
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Running back Jeremiyah Love – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – carries the ball during Arizona Cardinals training camp on July 26.
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Stribling was on the radar of the Los Angeles Rams, who were sold on his talent and were ready to draft him at No. 61, but he didn’t fall to them. The Niners swooped in.
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So Stribling is in the Bay Area learning from the likes of veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr.
Stribling said he’s picking up different techniques and tips from his vets, asking questions and applying his learned knowledge of the game and position to his all-around skillset.
“Route running, physicality,” Stribling told USA TODAY Sports. “You know the way that they could manipulate routes and the corners in their routes. You know, just getting open, creating separation, having strong hands at the catch point.”
He’s a sponge, soaking up everything he can to ensure he’s ready when the lights are bright. One of the key things he’s done to prepare is build a rapport with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
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“Very good,” Stribling told USA TODAY Sports about his bond with Purdy. “You know, he’s a very talented guy. Just trying to be there for him. Asking questions. What can I do better just to be the best receiver I can be?”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: How is 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling adjusting to NFL life?
