Story perspectives

49ers Trade Down, Draft Stribling at 33, Add RB Black

5/2/2026

Summary

49ers Draft Stribling

The 49ers drafted De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33 in NFL Draft.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the target fell to No. 27, they traded back to keep Stribling, and would have taken him at No. 30 or used a pick if they could not trade down.
GM John Lynch, who faced criticism with coach Kyle Shanahan for the reach, defended the draft class while team chose RB Kaelon Black at No. 90 in third round.

Summary

49ers Add Stribling

After missing preferred 27th-pick target KC Concepcion, taken No. 24 by the Browns, the 49ers drafted Stribling as a second long-term receiver to end two seasons of positional uncertainty.
Stribling’s elite blocking is a boost to San Francisco’s running attack.
Injuries to Ricky Pearsall and depth at Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins thin the receiver corps.
Mike Evans and Christian Kirk each have one-year deals, underscoring the need for a deep threat.

Summary

49ers Reach Stribling

None of the 2026 NFL Draft players, including De'Zhaun Stribling, have taken a professional snap yet.
ESPN reporter Seth Walder surveyed five front-office members about the reach of Stribling’s pick, receiving one “light reach” (option B) and four “true reach” (option C) answers.
The 49ers did not make a first-round selection, waiting until the first pick of the second round (No. 33 overall) to draft the Ole Miss wide receiver.

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49ers Draft Stribling

The 49ers drafted De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33 in NFL Draft.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the target fell to No. 27, they traded back to keep Stribling, and would have taken him at No. 30 or used a pick if they could not trade down.
GM John Lynch, who faced criticism with coach Kyle Shanahan for the reach, defended the draft class while team chose RB Kaelon Black at No. 90 in third round.

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