De'Zhaun Stribling

De'Zhaun Stribling has been zooming up draft boards and ADP since the news of Ricky Pearsall's season-ending PCL news. Many could pump the brakes on that now that San Francisco brought back Deebo Samuel on a one-year deal, but I'll still be drafting Stribling at cost. Christian Kirk (calf) is also dealing with an injury to open camp. At this point in Kirk's career, he can't be counted on to stay healthy or be an effective weekly cog of an NFL passing attack. Stribling had a solid collegiate career, with his skill set fitting what the 49ers want from their receivers. During his final two collegiate seasons, he posted 2.15 and 2.44 yards per route run with 7.3 and 6.7 yards after the catch per reception (17 missed tackles forced across both seasons, per PFF). Stribling offers the 49ers a varied skill set with shades of what they have hoped to get from Pearsall. He can make players miss in space, outrun them with the ball in his hands (4.36 40-yard dash), and create yards after the catch. Stribling is a great late-round selection in fantasy football drafts in 2026.

De’Zhaun Stribling is back at practice on Thursday after missing multiple days due to a hamstring injury. Some good news for Niners fans.

Fantasy Impact

Stribling will need all the reps he can get as a rookie to warm up before the season begins. He’s likely going to be behind Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel during his first season, but he should still see work as the WR3 of the offense with the potential for more should one of the other two go down to injury.