49ers’ De’Zhaun Stribling ‘Excited to Work’ With New Team

De’Zhaun Stribling’s long, winding road through college football led to a defining moment on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft — and he experienced it far from the bright lights of the draft stage.

“I’m currently in Hawaii, down here on the west side,” Stribling said after being selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 33rd pick in the second round. “Spent the whole draft here with all my family and friends. Really just a little tight circle.”

That circle quickly turned celebratory as Stribling became one of the earliest receivers taken in the draft, a move that surprised some observers who projected him later in the second or even third round. For Stribling, the moment was equal parts anticipation and relief.

Since the start of 2024, De’Zhaun Stribling has 465 receiving yards on curl routes, second-most in the FBS over that span after Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith (527) 💪

His 36 catches on such routes since 2024 are tied for the fifth most in the FBS 👏 https://t.co/VtUyCXF9zB

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 24, 2026

More on new 49ers WR De’Zhaun Stribling

“I was ready at all times,” he said. “Couldn’t really sleep last night, you know, kind of just waiting up for the moment, but very excited and very blessed for it.”

While San Francisco’s decision raised eyebrows outside the building, Stribling acknowledged that there had been some communication with the organization during the pre-draft process.

“Yeah, I definitely had a little communication in this whole process,” Stribling said. “But very excited to be here, very excited to come in and work, contribute however I can, and just help the team win.”

Stribling arrives in San Francisco after stops at Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss — a journey that has given him experience across multiple offensive systems. That adaptability is something he believes will translate seamlessly to Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.

“I learned a lot. I learned a lot of offense, learned a lot of ball, ran different types of offenses, concepts,” Stribling said. “So kind of just feel very ready, very positive about everything with my learning skills and everything I can recall.”

At 6-foot-2 with downfield speed and physicality, Stribling sees himself as more than just a vertical threat.

(Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

“I’m a very versatile guy. I can do a lot of things and also block at a high level,” he said. “Very excited to go out there and contribute in the pass game, but also the run game.”

He also sees stylistic overlap between the offense he played in at Ole Miss and what he’ll encounter with the 49ers.

“A lot of similar concepts, trying to get the receivers open, but also having a big part in the run game with the receivers blocking,” Stribling said. “So very excited for the opportunity and very blessed to be here.”

Asked what would allow him to make an early impact, Stribling pointed to the fundamentals.

“My physicality, my run after catch, and having reliable hands,” he said. “All those three things kind of fit into one and kind of just being there for the quarterback and being there for the team.”

Now heading from Hawaii to the Bay Area, Stribling is eager to get started.

“I’m excited to be here, excited to work and excited to do what I can to help us win,” he said.