Full Breakdown
49ers’ Second-Round Selection of De’Zhaun Stribling Stokes Reach Debate
5/2/2026, 9:35:42 AM
Draft Decision and Player Profile
On Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick, the first selection of the second round. The pick followed two trade-backs that moved the team from its original first-round slot to No. 30. In college Stribling logged 55 receptions for 811 yards, six touchdowns, a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and 15.6 yards per catch.
Draft Capital and Trade-Down Context
Entering the draft the 49ers had six picks. After trading a third-rounder for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and making two trade-backs, they finished with eight selections. Lynch and Shanahan said their plan was to let a target fall to No. 27, then trade back to acquire extra picks while still landing the player.
Official Statements & Responses
On The Rich Eisen Show, Shanahan said the team’s first goal was to have their target drop to No. 27, and the second goal was to trade back twice, add picks and still secure the player. He added the Niners would have taken Stribling at No. 30 if needed. Lynch later described the draft as character-driven and consistent with the franchise’s long-term plan.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts called the pick a reach. An ESPN poll of five front-office members rated Stribling a “true reach” by four votes. NFL executive Jason La Canfora said, “They like to stretch for guys,” and another GM added, “I don’t get it.” Former analyst Greg Cosell praised Stribling’s size-speed profile, while Bucky Brooks noted he was “catching a lot of heat” before the draft.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Stribling’s selection is a reach. Most analysts, including the ESPN poll, label it a true reach, while a minority—citing Cosell’s view of his route-running and blocking—argue it is justified. Shanahan hinted the original No. 27 target might have been Texas A&M receiver KC Concepcion, taken No. 24 by the Browns, but the player was never confirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our first goal was that the guy we wanted would fall to 27, but we got our second goal, and that was to trade back twice, accumulate some more picks, and still get the guy.” — Kyle Shanahan, Coach, Rich Eisen Show
- “We would have taken Stribling at 30, if we had to pick," Shanahan admitted.” — Kyle Shanahan, Coach, Rich Eisen Show
- “They like to stretch for guys,” — Jason La Canfora, Executive, ninernoise.com
- “If you're going to take someone who you think's the best player but you don't think they're going to go until like 15 picks later, 20 picks later, it's always a huge risk because you never find out when they're going to go if you take them there.” — Kyle Shanahan, Coach, Rich Eisen Show
What’s Next
Stribling will compete for the third-receiver role behind Ricky Pearsall and Mike Evans. His blocking and speed could provide immediate depth, while his route-running development will determine long-term impact.
