Very few rookies have hype built around them quite like 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling.
The 33rd overall pick in the NFL Draft drew significant buzz coming out of training camp. It led many people to wonder how it would translate to a live NFL game.
Stribling lived up to the hype in the 49ers’ preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans. He recorded 7 catches for 63 receiving yards on 8 targets, including an impressive 32-yard grab.
San Francisco mainly played their backups against Tennessee’s starters. The 49ers narrowly lost 19-13.
The 49ers faced the Los Angeles Chargers in their second preseason game on Thursday. The rookie WR once again shined.
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: De’zhaun Stribling #15 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
De’Zhaun Stribling Joins Historical Company After Preseason Performance
De’Zhaun Stribling added to his preseason total after he recorded 4 catches for 46 receiving yards. The rookie WR currently has 11 receptions for 109 yards through two preseason games.
NFL strategy and analytics coach Ryan Paganetti shared on X: “De’Zhaun Stribling’s preseason start is truly unbelievable. He’s the first player in at least 20 years to total 11 catches within the first 20 minutes of two consecutive preseason games.”
He’s the first player in at least 20 years to total 11 catches within the first 20 minutes of two consecutive preseason games.
The next closest:
• Dez Bryant, 2013 Cowboys: 10 • Demaryius Thomas, 2014 Broncos: 10 •
Paganetti noted: Dez Bryant (2013 Cowboys), Demaryius Thomas (2014 Broncos), and Jeremy Maclin (2015 Chiefs) each tallied 10 receptions.
The 49ers’ first 2026 NFL Draft selection only played the first quarter in Thursday’s 41-17 victory.
49er fans also got to see what the connection between starting QB Brock Purdy and Stribling would look like. Purdy only played the 49ers’ opening drive. He found Stribling three times for 25 yards.
The QB-WR duo converted two third downs, but the drive ended in a punt.
Stribling also hauled in a 21-yard reception from backup QB Mac Jones. That drive led to a 49ers field goal.
📺: ESPN & KPIX
Stribling’s night could have put an exclamation point on his night. He dropped a would-be 33-yard touchdown pass from Jones.
GettySan Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling.
Social Media Reactions To De’Zhaun Stribling’s Performance
Media and fans took to social media after another strong performance from the 49ers’ rookie WR.
Doug Farrar: “The thing about Stribling that shows Shanahan’s faith in his understanding of the offense is that they’re already lining him up all over the formation—not just sticking him in one place until he understands more. Really impressive.”
David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard: “De’Zhaun Stribling is making history already and, based on how the 49ers are treating him at practice (no special teams period, working individually like Mike Evans/other stars), it’s clear that they expect him to carry this over to the regular season.”
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area: “Sheesh, De’Zhaun Stribling, again. Third and De’Zhaun?”
A1FantasySports: “De’Zhaun Stribling is becoming undeniably good. 46 yards in just a quarter tonight. Being hyped up is one thing, producing like this and looking the way he does is another. Getting hard to keep him down in the ranks.”
49ers’ Rookie WR Joins Historical Company After Incredible NFL Preseason Start